Elton John to release new duet with Dolly Parton in their first ever collaboration
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Music icons Elton John and Dolly Parton have joined forces for the first time to release an upcoming song together. According to sources, the 75-year-old singer announced the news at his AIDS foundation's Oscars viewing party, where he revealed that he had already recorded a new track with the 77-year-old country star. The insider also shared that Elton, being a huge fan of Dolly and considering her a gay icon, was quick to accept the opportunity to collaborate with her. Although no official release date has been announced, fans can expect their highly-anticipated collaboration to drop later this year. "He heard that she wanted to work with him and leapt at the chance," they said, adding, "Elton loves collaborating and who better to do so with than a bona fide music legend?" There have been rumors circulating that the two music legends collaborated on a remix of Elton's popular 1974 single, 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'.
Elton is known for his collaborations with other musicians, and in 2021, he released 'Cold Heart', a mashup of his songs 'Rocket Man', 'Kiss the Bride', 'Sacrifice', and 'Where's the Shoorah?' featuring additional vocals by Dua Lipa. He also teamed up with Britney Spears last year for a mashup of his past hits 'Tiny Dancer', 'The One', and 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'; it was titled 'Hold Me Closer'. Elton has a history of successful collaborations, including his 1991 version of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' with the late George Michael, which topped charts in both the UK and the USA.
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Dolly Parton working on new album
In a previous interview on BBC's The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Dolly had expressed her desire for Elton to feature on her upcoming rock covers album. "I just recorded for my rock album and I did [Elton's] song, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," she said, before adding, "And I've sent out a message asking if he would sing with me on it and possibly play the piano." Dolly even urged Elton's acquaintances to pass on her message: "So if y'all get to see him, say Dolly wants you to sing on her record! So anyway — but I love him — just tell him to enjoy it because it was great fun for me." Dolly is currently working on a rock album, which will include her collaboration with Elton as one of the tracks. The album is expected to be released later this year and will feature covers of iconic songs like Prince's 'Purple Rain', The Rolling Stones' '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction', and Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven'. In addition to her duet with Elton, Dolly has also teamed up with Journey's Steve Parry to cover their song 'Open Arms'.
Parton often collaborates with music icons
Dolly Parton revealed an impressive lineup of collaborators for her upcoming album in an interview. When asked if Paul McCartney would be on the album, she replied, "I've got Elton [John] and Paul McCartney on it." She also mentioned recent recording sessions with Stevie Nicks and collaborations with Miley Cyrus, John Fogerty, Joan Jett, Pink, and Brandi Carlile. Dolly also expressed her hopes of including a duet between Annie Lennox and Cher on the album, covering the Eurythmics' hit song 'Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This'. With such an array of iconic artists and songs, the album is set to be a must-listen for music fans.