Beloved singer andGreaseactressOlivia Newton-Johnleft a gift for fans behind before she died last August.
On Friday, unreleased recordings of the late singer were compiled in an album titledJust the Two of Us — the Duets Collection Volume One.The 17-track album features her final recording, a duet withDolly Partonon her hit song “Jolene,” along with much more.
Olivia Newton-John and Dolly Parton.Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images; Kevin Winter/Getty
In a video from the recording session, Parton says she’s “so excited” to be working with one of her “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,” the country music star added.
Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton-John.Green Hill Productions
Then, in a short clip of Newton-John in the studio, she says, “I’m excited. I’ve always wanted to work with Dolly.” She then goes on to integrate her angelic vocals into the classic track.
Aside from her collaboration with the “Island in the Stream” singer, Newton-John also included duets with stars likeMariah Careyon “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” longtime friendJohn Travoltaon “Take a Chance,” daughterChloe Lattanzion “Window in the Wall,“David Fosteron “The Best of Me” and many more.
“I dressed up as Bad Sandy for Halloween in 5th grade and thought I was everything. Years later, THE Olivia Newton-John walked out onto my stage in Melbourne, Australia and we sang our hearts out together to ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You.’ This is a moment I will never ever forget,'” Carey, 54, said in the press release.
Olivia Newton-John album cover.Green Hill Productions
Meanwhile, Lattanzi said that she always knew she wanted to sing with her mom.
“After my mom played the song for me, I knew I wanted to record it, not only because it was with my mom but I felt the lyrics and message might help people see things from another perspective,” Lattanzi said. “We are all part of the same human race and if we listen to each other, respect each other and love each other — for both our likenesses and our differences — we might just understand each other a lot more.”
Just the Two of Us — the Duets Collection Volume Oneis out now.
Newton-Johndied in August at age 73after a 30-year journey with breast cancer. Her husband,John Easterling, announced the news on her social media channels at the time.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation.”
source: people.com
