Watch: Dolly Parton’s epic cover of Queen mash-up

Country legend sings ‘We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You’

Author: Paul TraversPublished 27th Jul 2023

Ever since Dolly Parton was controversially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, she’s been on a mission to prove that she can indeed rock.

Her much-vaunted new album 'Rockstar' is due out in November, featuring guest appearances from the likes of Steven Tyler, Steve Perry, Joan Jett, Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx, Paul McCartney and many more.

Listen: Dolly Parton - ‘Bygones’ featuring Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx and John 5

‘Rockstar’ is a mix of originals and covers and Parton’s mash-up of Queen anthems ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ is the fourth single to be released from the album.

The guitar-driven cover sees the country legend channeling her inner Freddie Mercury and belting out ‘We Are The Champions’ before segueing into ‘We Will Rock You’ towards the end.

The video features a number of US athletes and was released a year ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

"I love the Olympics!" Parton said in a statement. "I do my best to plan my schedule to watch as much of it as I possibly can."

Watch: Dolly Parton – ‘We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You’

"I'm so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar!” Parton said when she announced the album in May.

“I am very honored 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.”

She also recently told Greatest Hits Radio that she had absolutely no plans to retire.

Parton told host Ken Bruce: “I’ll just hopefully drop dead in the middle of a song on stage someday.”

“Of course, we don’t have much of a choice in that,” she continued.

“But as long as I’m able to work, as long as my health is good and my husband is good, the only way that I would ever slow down or stop would be for that reason. But in the meantime, I’m gonna make hay while the sun shines.”

Images: Dolly Parton: 'Rockstar'

Dolly Parton - 'Rockstar' alternative cover


Dolly Parton - 'Rockstar' alternative cover


Dolly Parton - 'Rockstar' alternative cover


Dolly Parton 'World on Fire' single cover


Dolly Parton - 'Rockstar' album cover


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