Watch Dolly Parton premiere first 'Rockstar' song, 'World on Fire'
She performed the track at the ACM Awards
Last updated 12th May 2023
Dolly Parton has premiered her first original rock song from her ‘Rockstar’ album, ‘World on Fire’.
The country legend made ‘World on Fire’ available to stream on Thursday (11th May) and late last night she performed the track live for the first time at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Texas.
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The lavish production saw 77-year-old Dolly enter the stage wearing a colossal dress featuring a map of Planet Earth, before she belted out ‘World on Fire’ while flanked by backing dancers and plenty of pyrotechnics.
Dolly says of ‘World on Fire: “This is a song I felt very inspired to write. I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”
Watch Dolly Parton perform ‘World on Fire’ at the ACM Awards:
On Tuesday (9th May), Dolly Parton revealed full details of her 30-track ‘Rockstar’ album.
Comprised of nine Dolly-penned originals and 21 covers of rock classics, ‘Rockstar’ boasts a who’s who of rock royalty guest performers.
Artists who appear on the record include The Beatles’ Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Richie Sambora, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Frampton, Heart’s Ann Wilson, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx and John 5, Journey icon Steve Perry, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, P!nk, Pat Benatar, Chris Stapleton, Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Sting, Lizzo, Waddy Watchel and many more.
Dolly Parton says of the record: “I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar! I am very honoured and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”
Dolly was inspired to create ‘Rockstar’ after being nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. She was inducted into the Cleveland institution in November alongside Judas Priest, Eminem, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, Eurythmics and Pat Benatar.