Dolly Dazzles Fans with Deluxe ‘Rockstar’ Release for 78th Birthday
Beloved songstress Dolly Parton rang in her 78th year in signature fashion – with a delightful musical surprise for her legions of fans. The country queen announced on Friday, her birthday, that she would be gifting fans with a deluxe version of her November 2022 chart-topping album “Rockstar.”
“It’s my Birthday so I’m going to give you a present!” Parton wrote in an Instagram post revealing the news, adding cheekily, “I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you all have a happy birthday for me!”
Ever the glamorous philanthropist, Parton released the fresh tracks as a gift to thank fans for their years of devotion. The new songs add to her 49th solo studio album “Rockstar” – Dolly’s first foray into the rock genre.
True to its name, the album already featured magnificent musical pairings with rock legends like Stevie Nicks, Sting and Joan Jett. The deluxe release adds collaborations with Italian alt-rockers Måneskin and classics like Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
With her towering hair, signature red nails and rhinestones, Parton has always had a bit of glam rockstar edge to her persona and stage presence. This effort takes it to dazzling new heights. Her duet with Måneskin on hit “Jolene” infuses fresh life into the iconic track.
“Sang it like a true rockstar, Queen,” Måneskin commented on Instagram. Parton responds in kind: “Y’all brought the true rock to this song!”
As Parton says, she may be country by birth but she is rock ‘n’ roll down deep in her soul. This sparkling offering allows her inner rock goddess to finally take center stage. She sizzles through beloved hits and new gems alike.
Ever ahead of her time, Parton also uses the album to advocate for more inclusion in the genre: “I want more girls to rock out, I’m still waiting on mine to show up!” she sings on “I Still Feel Your Love.” Her message comes as female artists are fighting for more representation on rock charts and festivals. Trust Dolly to champion girls just wanting to have guitar-slinging fun.
On the eve of entering her eighth decade, the eternal pixie dream girl of country proves she still has plenty of dazzling surprises yet in store. She has been gifting fans joy since her 1967 debut album “Hello, I’m Dolly” – itself a gift from the then 21-year-old to her family for their support of her skyrocketing career.
Parton says she will keep sharing her music until the day she dies. Here’s hoping the beloved national treasure stays musically alive and kicking for many more birthdays to come. The world surely needs Dolly’s shining spirit today as much as that fresh-faced country girl first did in 1967.
In the ultimate style icon tradition, fellow luminaries flooded Parton’s social media with birthday wishes. Supermodel Naomi Campbell called her “the most amazing woman on the planet,” while Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood dubbed her “one in a trillion.” She responds to every message with uplifting grace.
Last year saw Parton inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, donate $1 million to Vanderbilt Medical Center for COVID-19 research and host the Academy of Country Music Awards with Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.
If 78 looks this inspiring and productive, here’s to each of us channeling our inner Dolly in the decades ahead. She has made clear she has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. We’re sure those red nails will be flying across guitar strings and rhinestones dazzling under stage lights for many birthday celebrations to come.
