Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton-John joined forces for a powerful duet a year before the late singer's death — and now, it's finally being released.
The Grease star is posthumously releasing a 17-track album titled Just the Two of Us on May 5 that only includes collaborations and duets, USA TODAY reports. Dolly and Olivia's rendition of "Jolene" is among those to be featured on the album — and it was also just released to the public for the first time.
"I am so excited to be working with Olivia Newton-John, one of my favorites of all time. We've always stayed close through the years and I am just so proud to be a part of this duet project that she's doing," Parton said at the time, as seen in a YouTube video shared Friday (February 17). "We're singing one of my all-time favorites that I've written called 'Jolene,' and she says it's one of her favorites, so why not just do a duet on our favorite?"
In the same video, which you can watch below, Newton-John shared how excited she was for the collaboration, which features an EPIC high note from ONJ. "I've always wanted to sing with Dolly," she said.
Olivia passed away in August 2022 after a battle with breast cancer. At the time of her death, Parton wrote on social media, "So happy that our lives crossed paths. I know her voice is singing beautifully with the angels." She also opened up about one of her first moments with the Australian singer and actress.
"My first memory of Olivia was when her song ‘Let Me Be There’ was a hit. I have loved her ever since. We had many occasions that we got to share together, either backstage or performing on the same shows, and I loved every moment that I ever got to spend with her. I've always been inspired by her grit, tenderness, willingness, and determination," she said.
"My last memory of Olivia was when I sang with her on my song ‘Jolene’ which she recorded for an album not so very long ago," she added. "I cannot wait to hear that album and Olivia may you rest in peace. You left a spot that one else will ever fill."
Also featured on Newton-John's posthumous duet album are Mariah Carey, Michael McDonald, John Travolta and her daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi.