Dolly Parton has just released the music video for her cover of Queen’s classic anthems, “We are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You.”
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Known as the music legend who can do-no-wrong, Dolly Parton is now on her way to prove that she can also do-it-all. Her latest release, a cover of Queen’s “We are the Champions” and a brief interpolation of “We Will Rock You,” is already making waves with its music video. As the theme song for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the music video incorporates various highs and lows from the world’s biggest sports competition. It even features major athletes like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Noah Lyles, all while Parton is depicted singing in stands and in front of fireworks. Fair to say she’s setting quite the stage for her first rock album, aptly named Rockstar. The full album is set to be released on November 7th of this year.
Taking on Freddie Mercury’s range and style is no easy feat, but for Parton, she belted out the song like a rockstar veteran. With her classic thin twang, she perfectly walks the line of cover and tribute while making the song her own. Parton throws in some minor changes through new riffs or ending notes, but just enough to signal to the listener that she’s not repeating the original. The music itself is given an obvious production update, yet not nearly enough to transform the song either- as the guitar and piano are still in focus.
Rock music has been on the forefront of Dolly Parton’s mind since her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. It was then that she announced her now-upcoming album Rockstar. “If I'm going to be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, I better do something to earn it," Parton said during her induction, before looking at the room and asking, “How many of you rockers are gonna help me out?” Clearly, she had some takers- as her upcoming album touts covers with Joan Jett, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Steven Tyler and both living Beatles on their own song, “Let it Be.”
Check out the music video above, and listen in to the Dolly Parton Radio station to hear anything from classic country to rock and roll!
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