Dolly Parton's first posthumous song, "Bound to Ride," was released on Wednesday, two weeks after the country music icon's death. The single is featured on the upcoming all-star tribute album "Where the Soul Never Dies: Celebrating 80 Years of The Stanley Brothers."
Parton recorded her vocals for the track, originally by The Stanley Brothers in 1964, around 2022 in her personal studio for the tribute album. The full album is scheduled for release on Oct. 16.
Other artists contributing to the album include Willie Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, Dierks Bentley with Della Mae, and Steve Martin with Ed Helms.
Parton died on Aug. 25 following a private battle with cancer. Her sister, Stella Parton, recalled her dedication, stating, "My sister worked so hard for so long and just kept going. Even until the last conversation I had with her, she was working. That was her passion."
In addition to her music, Parton was also working on the Broadway production of "Dolly: A True Original Musical," a show detailing her life, up until her passing. Previews for the musical are set to begin Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City, with opening night on Jan. 19, 2027, which would have been her 81st birthday. The production will proceed as planned, according to a spokesman.
Parton was laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in March, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum three days after her death. Her cousin Richie noted that Parton had wished for the burial to be a private affair.