Dolly Parton Looking Ahead to ‘Better Day’

It's been a remarkable 44 years since Dolly Parton released her first full-length album, but each time she does, it becomes something of an event. Dolly has just announced her latest disc, 'Better Day,' is slated for release this summer. The album's release will be accompanied by the Better Day world tour and preceded by the release of the single, 'Together You And I,' which she'll perform on the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' on May 26.

"I wanted to do an album that would be very uplifting and positive, as well as inspirational," Dolly says, explaining the upbeat title. "Times are hard all over. I think people need to feel better and I thought 'Better Day' was a perfect title because it says 'hope.'"

'Better Day' will mark the fourth release on the iconic entertainer's own Dolly Records label. The first was 2008's 'Backwoods Barbie,' which debuted at No. 2 on both the country chart and the independent album chart and No. 17 on the Billboard 200, her first Top 20 album on that chart since 1993's 'Slow Dancing With the Moon.'

The experience of running her own label has added yet another interesting facet to Dolly's already-dazzling career.

"It's always best to be your own boss since you can do what you think is right," says the superstar. "It's also nice knowing what a nice person the boss really is and that you can pretty much get away with anything. [laughs] Seriously, though, I'm proud Dolly Records has done so well."

Dolly's Better Day world tour launches July 17 in Knoxville, Tenn., followed by several North American dates before moving on to Europe. Dates for the Australian leg of the tour will be announced soon.

Dolly Parton's 'Better Day' Track Listing

'In the Meantime'

'Just Leaving'

'Missing You'

'Together You and I'

'Country Is'

'Holding Everything'

'The Sacrifice'

'I Just Might'

'Better Day'

'Shine Like the Sun'

'Get Out'

'Let Love Grow'