Dolly Parton makes her first foray into the rock n’ roll genre with Rockstar, her 49th solo studio album of her career that dates back to 1956 when she was just 10-years-old.
While the new full-length record doesn’t drop until November 17, The Queen Of Country did continue on with the promotional push with the release of her cover version of Wrecking Ball, which was first recorded by Miley Cyrus.
Parton, who’s a country music living legend, appears to be going all in and having fun with the idea of working with a more rock sound after 44 Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and 110 career-charted singles during her storied career.
The rural Tennessee native, now 77, took to her Instagram page and shared a photo of herself all dolled up next to Cyrus, who just happens to also be her goddaughter.
‘Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)” Out Now!’ Parton announced in the caption of the promotional post.
Miley took to her own Instagram to write a sweet message to Dolly alongside the cover art for the new album.
‘I’ve grown up covering my Aunt Dollys music & it’s an honor to hear her singing one of my songs,’ she began.
‘I love you Aunt Dolly! I’m so happy to add another collaboration under our bedazzled (studded leather) belt! We’re ROCKSTARS now!
‘You can hear so much sweetness and love on this record. Excited to share it with everyone. Forever your Doll Baby, Miley.’
In the comment section, Dolly reciprocated the love and sent a shout-out to the young hitmaker.
‘We always say such sweet things about one another, but you are especially good to me, Miley!, she wrote.
‘I know sometimes it sounds gushy to people like it is false and not real but it truly is real. I just love what you said about our ‘Wrecking Ball’ duet and I feel the same! I always feel so honored to be able to sing with you and get to be around you.
‘You are the most gifted person I know, truly. I want to say again how proud I am of the record but more than anything how proud I am of you and our relationship.’
Wrecking Ball, which was originally featured on Cyrus’s fourth studio album Bangerz, was a big hit for the pop star in the late summer of 2013.
Used as the second single to the album, the song went on to debuted at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, but subsequently became Cyrus’ first number-one song on the chart.
When Parton got the idea to toughen up her sound she decided to pick a number of rock songs for an array of different artists
Eventually, the Jolene singer-songwriter began the promotional push for Rockstar with the release of the single, World On Fire, on May 11, which is one of the original songs Parton wrote for the album.
The following day she kicked things into overdrive, with another Instagram post: ‘Are you ready for ‘Rockstar?’ Box Sets, Vinyl and CDs are available now for pre-order! Grab some before they’re gone #dollyrockstar’
Dressing the part, Parton incorporated her one-of-a-kind style and look with some of the fashion of rockers from yesteryear.
In the promo picture she sat behind the wheel of a hot rod decked out in snakeskin design shirt and matching skirt that hugged her famous curves from top to bottom.
Just over a month later Magic Man would be the follow up single, featuring Anne and Nancy Wilson of the iconic rock band Heart.
The ladies are just two of a number of bonafide rockers to sign on to be apart of Parton’s first attempt at a more rock sound.
The list of rock collaborations includes the likes of Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Nikki Sixx and John 5 of Motley Crue, Sting, John Fogerty, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, and Richie Sambora, formerly of Bon Jovi.
There’s also collaborations with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Warren Hayes, best known for his work with The Allman Brothers, Peter Frampton, Brandi Carlile, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Pink, and Kevin Cronin of REP Speedwagon.
Parton became Cyrus’s godmother after she worked alongside her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, and formed a close relationship in the early 1990s.
Last year, the I Will Always Love You singer and songwriter was honored with her entree into the e Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Initially confused with the idea of a country music artist being inducted into the hallowed halls of rock, Parton grew to understand her tribute, and then got the itch to finally record a rock record.
With a career dating back to 1956, Parton has had 25 songs reach number one of the Billboard country music chart, which is a record for a female artist (tied with Reba McEntire).
The I Will Always Love You songwriter also has 44 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and she has 110 career-charted singles.
Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
Parton is also in promo mode for her new fashion photo book – Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones – which became available for purchase on October 17.
As for her for rock record: Rockstar is scheduled to be released on November 17.
