Country grande dame Dolly Parton arrives at a pivotal moment with what she presents as her first rock album in nearly six decades. Her distinctive voice and unmistakable persona carry the project, giving the listener a sense of fearless ambition. The album, titled Rockstar, makes no half measures clear from the outset. It proclaims a rock persona that transcends traditional boundaries, embracing a life attitude that feels both defiant and celebratory. The opening spark of the title track emphasizes a belief that dreams, when pursued with conviction, can become reality, all while a wall of live guitars anchors the sound.
Rockstar leans into a classic rock sensibility with a heavy metal edge, a blend that signals both reverence for the era and a readiness to push into something broader. The work reflects the influence of Parton’s long-time partner and husband since 1966, Carl Dean, who reportedly admires legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. The project features a sprawling roster of collaborators, nearly thirty in total, underscoring Parton’s wide network of friends and her willingness to experiment with many voices. While talks about bringing in a few marquee names did not materialize for reasons that remain private, the guest list remains impressive, with a parade of glittering performers enhancing the album’s texture. The selections traverse familiar touchstones and nostalgic cut-throughs, including Every Breath You Take performed with Sting and Purple Rain reimagined in collaboration with other artists, along with Wrecking Ball with Miley Cyrus. The mix of classics and contemporary choices provides a sense of playful risk, delivering a mood that is both entertaining and liberating.
A bold approach to politics and pop culture
Among the standout moments are new tracks like I Want You Back, featuring Steven Tyler, and a spirited nod to rock’s past with Elvis chrome. The album also pairs Parton with Rob Halford of Judas Priest on a track called The Grimy Bygones, a pairing that signals a genuine metal alliance rather than a mere stylistic nod. On World on Fire, Parton revisits We Will Rock You with a combative drumbeat that aims at climate-change inaction and the role of politicians, past and present, in letting problems fester. In an intriguing late‑album moment, Kid Rock appears on Either or Either, adding a touch of modern political discourse to the mix.
A rare one-on-one moment features Stevie Nicks on an unreleased track What Rock and Roll Did to You, a celebration of shared struggles and resilience that cross gendered boundaries. Fans will also hear a deeply emotional Let It Be, built around a heartfelt crescendo and supported by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. That sequence, and the catalog of VIP duets teased across the project, signals a concerted effort to position Parton as a universal pop-rock voice with broad appeal. The guest list includes associations with Elton John, Simon Le Bon, Debbie Harry, Peter Frampton, and Pat Benatar, creating a mosaic of eras and styles that showcase Parton’s vocal versatility. Throughout, Parton’s voice remains strikingly identifiable—a warm, resonant instrument that carries the weight of decades while sounding refreshed and contemporary. At 77, she demonstrates an energy that feels both rebellious and sincerely playful, a rare combination that resonates across generations.