Dolly Parton Keeps Giving Fans What They Want

Dolly Parton marked her 78th birthday with a delightful surprise—a deluxe release of her celebrated rock album, Rockstar. The expanded 39-track collection includes nine new songs, including a soulful rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Parton approaches the timeless ballad with delicate restraint, adopting the role of a storyteller delivering the persona’s pledge of unwavering companionship. The singer tenderly croons the opening lines over piano keys, setting the emotional tone.

As the rendition progresses, the tempo builds, and a soaring choir complements Parton’s emotive delivery, enhancing the sentimental ode. The heartwarming chorus echoes the iconic lines of comfort and support: “Like a bridge over troubled water / I will ease your mind / Yes, I will ease your mind / Like a bridge over troubled water / Like a bridge, like a bridge, I will ease your mind.”

Originally released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1970, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has been covered by numerous music legends, including Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, LeAnn Rimes, Whitney Houston, and John Legend.

Parton’s rendition is featured in the expanded Rockstar collection. She explained the surprise release, “It’s my birthday, so I’m going to give you a present! I’m releasing four never-released songs for my birthday, to go with the Rockstar album, and a few others that you may have heard before that were not on the album. I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you all have a happy birthday for me! LOL. Thanks for everything.”

Rockstar (Deluxe) is now available for listening across various music platforms.

Listen to her cover below: