Dolly Parton Honors Prince With “Purple Rain” Cover On Rock Album
on Nov 17, 2023 • Updated Apr 19, 2024
Dolly Parton released her rock album, Rockstar, in November 2023 and it included a cover of Prince’s iconic song “Purple Rain.”
In 2022, the legendary Dolly Parton was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She turned down the honor because she felt her background in country music did not justify a spot on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“Even though I’m extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right,” she wrote. “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.”
The Rock Hall rebutted and said their Hall of Fame is not just for rock music, as other country artists – as well as rappers and hip-hop artists – have previously been inducted. Once she learned this, she accepted the nomination and said she would accept the induction “gracefully” if chosen.
Dolly Parton goes rock.
As we all know, she was eventually inducted and vowed to put together a rock album to make all the rock and roll fans proud. The title of the album is Rockstar.
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At her induction ceremony, she even performed a new song off her upcoming rock album, titled “Rockin’.”
Back in May 2023, Parton performed another one of her new songs from Rockstar at the ACM Awards. This one is titled “World On Fire” and has over two million views on YouTube alone!
Rockstar was finally released on November 17th, 2023 and it features nine original songs as well as 21 “iconic rock anthems” performed with some special friends.
Collaborators include Miley Cyrus, Sting, Steve Perry, John Fogerty, Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton, Debby Harry, Pat Benatar, Kid Rock, Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, and Lynyrd Skynyrd!
Her cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” is quite possibly the most powerful songs on the album.
Fans seem to agree, based on the comments on YouTube and social media. See some of their reactions below.
“This is beautiful!!! Could you imagine Prince and Dolly singing this together!! Only Dolly can do this song justice!!!”
“She tickles the soul with something quite special in the spirit of who she is shines no matter where she stands”
“Wow! What a beautiful version of an already Amazing song! I could only imagine this being sung as a duet with Dolly & Prince. Thank you Dolly for a heart warming rendition of another Awesome song.”
“Dolly you did it again. Very few people could give this song justice, but you can just feel your beautiful soul!”
“Dolly has made one of her most soul-stirring and artistically bold albums ever. I always admired Dolly as a person but now I understand how she imbues whatever song she sings with her guts and grit and generous heart.”
“One of the best covers of this much covered song. Well done Dolly Parton.”
Her voice is absolute perfection on this song, and we think Prince would absolutely love her take on it. Listen to her version of “Purple Rain” below.
