Dolly Parton Reveals the Hit She Hoped Tina Turner Would Finish-Before It Was Too Late

Dolly Parton has always been a songwriter with a vision-whether crafting hits for herself or imagining how her words might sound in someone else’s voice.

One of her greatest unfulfilled dreams was to record a duet with Tina Turner, a powerhouse performer whose soulful energy seemed tailor-made for a Parton-penned song. Unfortunately, that dream never came to fruition.

Parton first crossed paths with Turner’s vocal magic in 1974 when Turner recorded There’ll Always Be Music” for her debut solo album, Tina Turns the Country On!

This release marked Turner’s break from her tumultuous partnership with Ike Turner, featuring covers of songs by Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, and Olivia Newton-John.

Though Turner’s rendition of Parton’s song set a promising. precedent, the two legends never shared a recording studio.

Fast forward to the 1980s: Parton starred in Rhinestone, a musical comedy co-starring Sylvester Stallone. For the film’s soundtrack.

Parton crafted a slate of country tracks, including the playful duet “Stay Out of My Bedroom.

While Stallone and Parton made an unlikely pairing on screen and in the recording booth, the song held a unique energy that Parton would later envision transforming into a collaboration with Turner.

Years later, while working on her 2023 rock album Rockstar, Parton saw an opportunity to bring that long-held vision to life.

“I love Tina Turner, Parton shared in an interview. “I had the perfect song that we were going to do. I didn’t even put it on the album.

It was a song i wrote called ‘Stay Out of My Bedroom.” However, Turner, who passed away in May 2023 after a period of declining health, was unable to participate.

For Parton, the disappointment was palpable. “I did not know she was ill. or as ill as she was.” she said, reflecting on her hope to include Turner’s iconic voice on the album. “I was really sad about that.”

Despite the missed chance, the moment underscores Parton’s enduring admiration for Turner. When inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Parton paid tribute by wearing an outfit inspired by Turner-an emblem of the respect and affection she held for the late singer.

Even without a recording together, their connection endures through shared artistry and mutual admiration.

Although Parton never realized her dream of singing with Tina Turner, the prospect of hearing “Stay Out of My Bedroom in a future collaboration remains open.

“Maybe I’ll do it some other time with somebody else.” Parton mused. But for fans of both icons, the unrecorded duet will always be a tantalizing “what if in the annals of music history.