Sabrina Carpenter’s Musical Collaboration with Dolly Parton Pays Tribute to Ex Barry Keoghan
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In a delightful collaboration, Sabrina Carpenter and Dolly Parton have come together for a new musical project. On February 14th, the 25-year-old singer released a revised version of her 2024 song “Please Please Please” as part of the deluxe edition of her album “Short n’ Sweet,” which coincidentally was also launched on Valentine’s Day.
Teaming up with the iconic country singer, Dolly Parton, aged 79, for this duet, Carpenter brings a fresh country twist to the popular pop track. The highlight of this collaboration was the accompanying vintage-inspired music video, which seemed to contain a subtle reference to Carpenter’s past relationship with actor Barry Keoghan.
Notably, Keoghan, 32, appeared in the original music video for “Please Please Please” when he and Carpenter were romantically involved. The narrative of the video depicted the duo beginning a relationship post-release from jail. Things took a dramatic turn when Keoghan’s character reverted to criminal activities, leading to his arrest and subsequent confinement by Carpenter’s character.
In the new music video, Carpenter and Parton embark on a journey in a truck, belting out the heartfelt lyrics of the song. As the video progresses, intriguing scenes unfold. Parton is seen handing a shovel to Carpenter, who is positioned in the rear of the vehicle. Subsequently, a chase sequence ensues as the police pursue the duo. The climax of the video reveals a male figure in the back of the truck, handcuffed and wearing a sack over his head, reminiscent of Keoghan’s appearance in the original video.
Filmed in Nashville according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE, the music video concludes with Carpenter coming to a halt, expressing disapproval as the individual in the back attempts to make noise and bangs on the truck. Additionally, the song features a notable lyric alteration as Carpenter and Parton exchange lines, emphasizing the plea, “I beg you, don’t embarrass me, like the others,” deviating from the original explicit version.
The original release of “Please Please Please” had sparked speculation due to its lyrical content, believed to contain playful references to Barry Keoghan, notably with lines like, “I heard that you’re an actor, so act like a stand-up guy.” Keoghan and Carpenter’s relationship, marked by periods of togetherness and breaks, was previously reported by PEOPLE in December 2024.
Sharing a snippet of the music video on her social media platform, Carpenter expressed her gratitude for collaborating with Parton, remarking, “Dolly and me singing in a pickup truck!!!!!!” The singer conveyed her admiration for working with one of her idols on a significant song. Parton reciprocated the sentiment on her platform, underlining the joy of two artists coming together for a project that resonates with audiences.
Apart from the collaboration with Parton, Carpenter’s new deluxe edition features four additional songs, including “Busy Woman,” premiered during her sold-out Short ‘n’ Sweet tour. The album’s initial release in August 2024 had marked a significant achievement, securing the top spot on the Billboard 200 for three successive weeks, establishing its global success.
In the realm of music and creative expressions, Carpenter’s partnership with the legendary Dolly Parton not only enriches her musical journey but also showcases the power of collaboration and artistic evolution in the industry. As fans eagerly await more captivating releases from these talented artists, the resonance of “Please Please Please” serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of heartfelt music and storytelling in the sphere of entertainment.