Olivia Newton-John And Dolly Parton Joined Forces For ‘Beautiful’ Duet Of ‘Jolene’ Before Newton-John’s Death

Feb 22, 2023 by apost team

There is really nothing more magical than seeing astounding musicians join forces to share their talents with the world. Over the years, there have been many iconic duets and collaborations in the music industry, and it’s evident that there will be many more to come in the future. However, one duet that was previously recorded has made its rounds online – and fans are relishing in its beauty.

Olivia Newton-John was a singer that collaborated with a few artists during her life and made beautiful music. She released several albums and chart-topping singles, making her one of the best-selling music artists from the second half of the 20th century to the present. She starred in “Grease” alongside John Travolta. The film made Newton-John a household name, showing off her sweet yet powerful vocals and great acting chops.

But aside from “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Summer Nights” and “You’re The One That I Want” from “Grease,” Newton-John was also responsible for singing perhaps some of the decade-defining hits of the late 1970s to the 1980s. 

The Australian music legend was responsible for the hits “Physical,” “If You Love Me (Let Me Know),” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “A Little More Love” and “Twist of Fate,” among many others. 

However, Newton-John also sang several heart-wrenching duets outside of “Grease,” including one with country music megastar Dolly Parton. The pair had recorded the song “Jolene” prior to Newton-John’s death on Aug. 8, 2022. Its release in February 2023 made fans happy to have another piece of Newton-John to hold on to as they praised the two women and their stunning vocals.

Newton-John once sang a beautiful ballad with another famed singer, John Denver. Their song “Fly Away” is considered a masterpiece by many. The duo’s collaboration was a match made in heaven. Denver’s soft and comforting voice complemented Newton-John’s reassuring and angelic backing vocals. 

Since Newton-John’s passing, the song has had a resurgence in popularity online. Fans of the two late artists recalled how the duet sounded and felt like they were being flown to the heavens.

Denver and Newton-John crossed paths because of the similarity of their musical style — blending pop elements with soft adult contemporary, making a massive appeal to country music enthusiasts. The duo’s collaboration on “Fly Away” marked the start of their future appearances together and subsequent collaborations.

Recorded and written in 1975, “Fly Away” was released as a single from Denver’s “Windsong” album. The track peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, ruled over the Adult Contemporary Charts for two weeks, and concurrently placed 12th on the Country Music charts.   

Newton-John, although not entirely credited, is famously known for lending her backing vocals on the ballad. On Denver’s “Rocky Mountain Christmas Special,” she performed the song alongside the hitmaker. Since the 1975 clip was uploaded on the Internet, fans of both Newton-John and Denver had been listening to the performance over and over again — hoping to have seen an official collaboration between the two music legends before they both passed away. 

This is not the only duet from Newton-John that gained recent online attention. The duet she recorded with Parton prior to her passing was released in February 2023 as part of her posthumous duets album titled “Just the Two of Us: The Duets Collection,” according to Good Morning America (GMA).

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Over the years, Parton has teamed up with several performers to give new renditions of “Jolene,” including Pentatonix and even her own goddaughter Miley Cyrus. However, fans have been especially enthralled by Parton’s duet with Newton-John. The two singers were friends, and Parton shared her heartfelt goodbye to Newton-John after her passing.

“So sad to have lost my special friend Olivia Newton-John,” Parton wrote. “So happy that our lives crossed paths. I know her voice is singing beautifully with the angels.”

Parton and Newton-John’s duet of “Jolene” was released on Feb. 16, 2023. They each took turns singing their own parts in the song and also showed off just how beautifully their voices meshed together during the harmonies.

Parton told GMA that this was the last memory she shared with Newton-John. “I loved every moment that I ever got to spend with her,” the country singer said. “I’ve always been inspired by her grit, tenderness, willingness and determination.”

Parton added, “I cannot wait to hear that album and Olivia may you rest in peace. You left a spot that (no) one else will ever fill.”

Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, was also a fan of the duet and said, “It’s a gorgeous duet. Dolly’s a wonderful person, was a good friend of Olivia.”

Fans were especially moved by the surprise “Jolene” collaboration. One person commented, “Their voices compliment one another beautifully.....I am so very glad they chose to release this for fans of both of these very talented ladies!” Another said, “Brilliantly sung by two legends.”

Another person commented, “I miss Olivia . I’m so happy to know she recorded this beautiful song with Dolly. And gifted us a CD of duets. Her voice angelic , her beauty amazing, her spirit inspiring!”

Did you like this version of the classic country song? What is your favorite duet that Olivia Newton-John sang? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.