Although Dolly Parton is known and loved as a country music icon, she announced last year that she is taking her music career in a new direction. Dolly announced that her next project will be a rock album— which follows her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
She claimed that this decision was to “earn her keep” in the prestigious Rock Hall. She has expressed her desire to create a rock album in the past, given that her husband is a “rock and roll freak”.
“I always thought I might want to do a rock record”, she said. “So I thought, ‘Well, if I’m ever gonna do it, now’s the time.’ I have to live up to all of that hype!”
Since the announcement, Dolly has revealed that there are many exciting collaborations on the upcoming album. One of the more recent collaborators that have been announced is with Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx. It has been said that he played bass guitar on one of the unreleased songs.
Dolly said in a letter to Sixx’s wife Courtney, that Sixx had “played his butt off” on her upcoming album, which is titled, Rock Star.
Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 also shared his participation on Dolly’s Rock and Roll album in a tweet.
“I’m so honored that I got the opportunity to play guitar on one of the songs on the upcoming @DollyParton album. I’ve been listening to Dolly ever since I can remember. Words cannot describe how exciting this is.”
I’m so honored that I got the opportunity to play guitar on one of the songs on the upcoming @DollyParton album. I’ve been listening to Dolly ever since I can remember. Words cannot describe how exciting this is. 🙏❤️#DollyParton #John5 pic.twitter.com/8tbWORNT5d
— John 5 (@john5guitarist) April 11, 2023
According to recent interviews, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Cher, and Stevie Nicks have been mentioned as potential guests on Dolly’s album, in addition to P!nk and Brandi Carlile.
Although an official release date has not been announced, it is rumored that we can expect the Rock and Roll album in the Fall of this year.
