U2 Sets November Release for Dolly Parton Duet

U2 has announced that its 12-track album Carnaval De Luz will be released November 13, featuring “Torn,” a duet between Bono and Dolly Parton that the band describes as Parton’s final recorded vocal performance. The song is the album’s closing track. Parton died in August at age 80, according to the reports. “Torn” was co-written by U2, Parton and songwriter Johnny McDaid, with Daniel Lanois playing pedal steel. The song is described as a country track about broken family ties. Its placement closes an album that U2 says explores themes including spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance. The characterization of the duet as Parton’s last vocal recording comes from the album announcement and accompanying coverage; the material provided does not include recording logs or independent confirmation of her later recording activity. The album’s release is scheduled for November 13, when the track and its announced credits are expected to become available to listeners. Bono said Parton recorded her vocal in June. In his account, she was ill but got out of bed to sing the song.