Dolly Parton Heals the Soul on Posthumous U2 Collaboration ‘Torn'
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- U2's 16th studio album, Carnaval de Luz, features "Torn," a poignant duet with the late Dolly Parton, who recorded her vocals in June before her passing in August at age 80.
- The song, co-written by Parton, U2, and Johnny McDaid, explores themes of family division and emotional conflict, shifting from a personal love triangle to a broader commentary on familial strife.
- Bono initially approached Parton for an Irish-roots project, but after she found the material "a little too Irish," she contributed "Torn," which was then lyrically adapted to reflect family tensions.
- Parton's powerful vocal performance was praised by Bono and producer Garret "Jacknife" Lee, who noted her pride in the recording and the emotional depth she brought despite her age and illness.
- The track includes contributions from longtime U2 collaborator Daniel Lanois on pedal steel and Larry Mullen Jr. on drums, enhancing the song's evocative and heartfelt atmosphere.
