Dolly Parton’s first posthumous song drops two weeks after country icon’s death

Dolly Parton’s first posthumous recording, a cover of “Bound To Ride,” dropped on Wednesday, two weeks after the country music icon’s death.

The late singer is featured on an upcoming all-star tribute album, “Where the Soul Never Dies: Celebrating 80 Years of the Stanley Brothers.”

The Stanley Brothers first released “Bound To Ride” in 1964, but re-recorded the track with Parton in 2022 for the tribute album.

Dolly Parton performing on stage, playing a guitar and singing into a microphone.

Dolly Parton’s first posthumous song, “Bound to Ride,” dropped on Wednesday, two weeks after her death. (Pictured: Parton performing in 2016.) NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Ralph Stanley and Carter Stanley in circa 1954, one holding a banjo and the other a mandolin.

The late singer is featured on the Stanley Brothers’ upcoming all-star tribute album. (The musical duo pictured in 1954.) Michael Ochs Archives

The single was posted on YouTube Wednesday ahead of the album’s release on Oct. 16.

Parton recorded her part around 2022 in her personal studio, per Rolling Stone.

The album is also set to include vocals by Willie Nelson and Sierra Ferrell, Dierks Bentley with Della Mae, and Steve Martin and Ed Helms, among others.

Dolly Parton performing onstage in a shimmering dark gown with her right arm raised.

The Stanley Brothers originally recorded “Bound to Ride” in 1964, but Parton (seen above in 2019) re-recorded the track in 2022 in her personal studio. Getty Images for NARAS

Dolly Parton performs in a yellow checkered gown with silver embroidery during the Grand Ole Opry's 85th birthday bash.

Her rendition of “Bound to You” dropped Wednesday while the rest of the star-studded album drops Oct. 16. (Pictured: Parton in 2010.) Getty Images

Parton was said to be working hard up until her death, despite her health struggles.

“My sister worked so hard for so long and just kept going. Even until the last conversation I had with her, she was working,” Dolly’s sister Stella Parton remembered on Thursday. “That was her passion.”

The Grammy winner was also working on the Broadway production of “Dolly: A True Original Musical” up until her passing, which tells the story of her life.

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Dolly Parton performs in an orange and white rhinestone outfit.

Those close to the legendary singer (pictured in 2023) said she was working hard up until her death, despite health struggles. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Dolly Parton performs at a pre-Oscar party, playing an acoustic guitar and wearing a denim jacket.

“My sister worked so hard for so long and just kept going. Even until the last conversation I had with her, she was working,” Dolly’s sister Stella Parton revealed Thursday. (Pictured: Dolly performing in 2006.) Getty Images

Last month, Page Six confirmed that the show will arrive on Broadway this season as planned.

“As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ will begin previews Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City,” a spokesman said in a statement to Page Six.

Opening night is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027, which would’ve been the “I Will Always Love You” singer’s 81st birthday.

Dolly Parton performing in a sparkling blue bodysuit, playing a white guitar.

The philanthropist (seen above in 2004) died on Aug. 25 following a secret cancer battle. Getty Images

Dolly Parton performing in a concert.

Her family laid her to rest in an intimate burial three days after her passing. Getty Images

The “I Will Always Love You” singer died on Aug. 25 following a secret cancer battle.

She was laid to rest beside her husband, Carl Dean, who died last March, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum three days after her death.

“She wanted to keep it very quiet,” Dolly’s cousin Richie later shared of the intimate burial. “The word keeps getting brought up, ‘a funeral.’ I don’t believe that is really the case in the situation.”

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