Dolly Parton, the revered Queen of Country, made a remarkable contribution to the world of bluegrass before her passing, as her first posthumous song “Bound to Ride” has been released. This track is part of an upcoming tribute album titled *Where the Soul Never Dies: Celebrating 80 Years of The Stanley Brothers*, which is set for release on 16th October.
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Recorded in 2022, the song honours The Stanley Brothers, a pioneering bluegrass duo who were posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year. The Stanley Brothers initially popularised “Bound to Ride” with their own recording in 1964, and Parton’s rendition aims to celebrate their enduring legacy.
Parton’s untimely death at the age of 80 on 25th August has injected her final recording with an added sense of poignancy. Initially, most tracks for the upcoming album were performed live in the studio. However, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in 2022, the iconic singer took precautionary measures and recorded her vocals separately, enhancing her collaborative effort while prioritising her health during the pandemic.
The release features the collective talent of the First Ladies of Bluegrass, an all-female supergroup composed of notable musicians from the genre. This collaborative outfit includes banjoist Alison Brown, fiddler Becky Buller, mandolinist Sierra Hull, bassist Missy Raines, and guitarist Molly Tuttle. Buller, specifically, was instrumental in ensuring Parton could contribute effectively, recording a demo of her section so that the Queen of Country could comfortably bestow her vocals without risking exposure to the virus.
Garry West, the owner of Compass Records — the label behind the album — expressed his astonishment at Parton’s performance, stating, “We didn’t know what we would get back, and she really did over-deliver. We were shocked. We couldn’t have gotten anything better.” He also noted how special it was for the other musicians to hear their names mentioned in the song, a gesture that resonated deeply with the ensemble.
Parton’s battle with cancer was kept largely private, a decision made in part to shield her fans and family from unnecessary worry. Her sister, Stella Parton, explained in a recent interview that Dolly wanted to remain a source of positivity, stating, “Dolly could not bear negative things… she would not have wanted her fans worried about it.”
Acknowledging the impact of her departure, representatives for Parton released a heartfelt statement following her death, stating, “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope, and integrity into everything she touched.” Her philanthropic spirit and unmatched generosity were cited as having touched countless lives throughout her illustrious career.
Dolly Parton had previously expressed wishes regarding how she desired to be remembered after her death, famously mentioning in a 2014 interview that she wanted the country-gospel song “If We Never Meet Again” played at her funeral. The lyrics reflect themes of hope and reunion that align perfectly with her warm and optimistic spirit.
As *Where the Soul Never Dies* prepares for its release, fans of both Parton and The Stanley Brothers can eagerly anticipate the album, which not only commemorates the legacy of the Stanley Brothers but also serves as a final musical message from one of country music’s most beloved figures. The album will be available for pre-order now, ensuring that Dolly Parton’s voice continues to resonate within the hearts of listeners for years to come.