Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter, has a secret song titled "My Place In History" that is set to be released in 2045, more than two decades after her death. Parton, who passed away at age 80, revealed the existence of the song in her 2020 memoir, "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics." The track was recorded and placed in a time capsule at her Dollywood Theme Park.
Parton has expressed mixed feelings about the song's delayed release. In a 2022 appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," she admitted to having regrets about keeping the song locked away until 2045, joking about the impulse to dig it up. "I want to go dig that up so bad," she said, adding that "it's a really good song." She also quipped about the decision, "I don't know whose damn idea that was."
During a separate appearance on "The Tonight Show" in the same year, Parton reflected on the unusual nature of writing a song for a future audience, acknowledging that she might not be alive to hear it. "I won’t be around to hear it. I’ll be dead and gone — well, I might not be, 'cause I'll be 99. You know me, I might still be hoppin' around," she told host Jimmy Fallon, referencing her planned 99th birthday release date.
Despite the long wait, Parton expressed excitement for the public to eventually hear "My Place In History," anticipating it will be a special piece. Her team confirmed that she had secretly battled cancer prior to her death. The release of "My Place In History" is scheduled for 2045, when the time capsule is set to be opened, coinciding with what would have been Parton's 99th birthday.