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Olivia Newton-John’s Final Recording and Music Video With Dolly Parton Out Today
by Charese Frugé
February 17, 2023 at 9:18 AM (PT)
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OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN’s final recording and music video, a duet of “Jolene” with longtime friend DOLLY PARTON, was released TODAY (2/17). The two entertainment icons came together for the first time to reimagine PARTON's timeless hit before NEWTON-JOHN passed away in 2022 from her long battle with breast cancer.
PARTON and NEWTON-JOHN became friends after the latter won 1974’s COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION Female Vocalist of the Year award. To this day, she is the only non-American born artist to win the award. As a nod to their friendship, NEWTON-JOHN previously recorded a version of “Jolene” for her 1976 seventh studio album, COME ON OVER.
PARTON said, "My first memory of OLIVIA was when her song ‘Let Me Be There’ was a hit. I have loved her ever since. We had many occasions that we got to share together, either backstage or performing on the same shows, and I loved every moment that I ever got to spend with her. I've always been inspired by her grit, tenderness, willingness and determination.”
The icon continued, "My last memory of OLIVIA was when I sang with her on my song ‘Jolene,’ which she recorded for an album not so very long ago. I cannot wait to hear that album, and OLIVIA, may you rest in peace. You left a spot that no one else will ever fill."
“I have always wanted to record with DOLLY,” said the late NEWTON-JOHN during an interview in 2021. “She was always there for me, and what she did for me early on in my career in NASHVILLE is something I will never forget.”
“Jolene” introduces JUST THE TWO OF US, a 17-track duets album releasing MAY 5th, featuring NEWTON-JOHN with artists including MARIAH CAREY, MICHAEL McDONALD, JOHN TRAVOLTA, BARRY GIBB, VANESSA AMOROSSI, JON SECADA, her daughter CHLOE LATTANZI, and more, along with some never-before-released on CD and vinyl recordings.
NEWTON-JOHN will be remembered in a global memorial service in MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA on FEBRUARY 26th, which will be livestreamed globally.