Dolly Parton launches a new chapter on Billboard’s country charts as her updated version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” debuts at No. 1 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart dated Jan. 31. It also enters at No.41 on Country Airplay.
The single sold 8,000 downloads in the United States and garnered 2.5 million airplay audience impressions from its Jan. 16 release through Jan. 22, according to Luminate.
This reimagined recording features Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire, with David Foster on piano and the nashville-based Christ Church Choir providing backing vocals. It released three days before Parton’s 80th birthday on Jan. 19,marking a milestone and a charitable moment,as net proceeds from the single and its music video support the pediatric cancer research program at nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Originally released on Parton’s 1977 album New Harvest…First Gathering, “Light” returns nearly 50 years later with a multi-generational lineup, retaining its original spirit of hope and resilience. The update also acknowledges her close relationship with her goddaughter cyrus, who performed the song on Saturday Night Live in 2021.
