At 79 years old, Dolly Parton continues to prove that age is no barrier to making music that resonates deeply. Recently, she teamed up with the Zac Brown Band to record “Butterfly,” a track that was so powerful it left seasoned musicians in awe. The recording session was nothing short of extraordinary — no warm-ups, no endless retakes, just a single breathtaking take. The result was a performance that was filled with a lifetime of soul and storytelling, capturing a sense of authenticity that only comes with years of experience.
A Powerful Moment in the Studio
Zac Brown, still emotional after the recording, shared, “We couldn’t stop crying. The moment Dolly steps into a studio, the energy shifts—she brings songs to life in a way that few others can.” The song, which will be featured on the Zac Brown Band’s upcoming album Love & Fear, delves into themes of resilience, hope, and self-discovery — all topics Dolly has explored throughout her career. The song’s chorus, performed in harmony with Zac Brown, speaks to the strength within us all:
“Butterfly, you will see
You’re so much stronger than you think you are
You just have to believe
You can fly, mend your wings
Any moment you can free yourself
And fly out of the darkness, butterfly.”
Dolly’s Magical Presence
Reflecting on the session, Zac Brown emphasized how transformative Dolly’s presence was, noting, “On paper, the song was already good, but Dolly made it extraordinary. That’s the magic she brings every single time.” This is just the latest collaboration in what has been a year full of remarkable projects for Dolly. From contributing vocals to Sabrina Carpenter’s Please Please Please to teaming up with Post Malone and Lainey Wilson, Dolly continues to show her remarkable ability to adapt across genres while staying true to her iconic style.
A Legacy of Duets
Dolly’s legacy is rich with timeless duets, each one elevating the songs to new heights. Her collaborations with artists like Kenny Rogers (“Islands in the Stream”), Willie Nelson (“Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way)”), and Brad Paisley (“When I Get Where I’m Going”) have already cemented her as one of music’s most versatile and beloved partners. Butterfly now joins that storied legacy, standing as a powerful reminder of her unique ability to lift a song with her voice and heart.
A Connection Years in the Making
Though the exact origins of the collaboration remain a bit of a mystery, many believe it was the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction that laid the groundwork for this emotional reunion. On that night, the Zac Brown Band performed as Dolly’s backing band, likely creating a bond that would eventually lead to this deeply moving studio session.
As Dolly approaches her 80th birthday, Butterfly proves once again why her artistry continues to endure. Her voice, rich with experience and filled with warmth, turns every note into magic — a gift she has shared with the world for decades. In just one take, Dolly Parton has once again reminded us all why she remains one of the greatest artists of our time.
