Dolly Parton Writes a ‘Letter to Heaven’

"A seven-time Grammy Award winner, the Tennessee-born singer/songwriter has enjoyed hits in the pop, country and bluegrass genres, but no musical art form reflects the soul of Dolly Parton better than gospel music." – Deborah Evans-Price, as written in the liner notes of Dolly Parton's upcoming album, 'Letter to Heaven'

Dolly Parton's spiritual devotion is alive and well. Along the trail of her long and productive career, Dolly has tapped into her inner faith through song, which was first brought to light with her 1971 album, 'Golden Streets of Glory.'

Now, nearly four decades later, the ten songs of 'Golden Streets' provide the foundation for Dolly's new collection of gospel songs with the release of 'Letter to Heaven: Songs of Faith and Inspiration.'

'Letter to Heaven' includes 17 powerful songs of inspiration, including 'I Believe,' 'How Great Thou Art,' 'Wings of a Dove,' and 'Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man.' The bulk of the tracks were produced by Dolly's long-time RCA staff producer, the late Bob Ferguson, who was one of the pioneers of the famed 'Nashville Sound,' developed in the 1950s and '60s.

The story of 'Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man,' is a testament to Dolly's strong spiritual family foundation. Dolly grew up singing in church, and her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher. She co-wrote the tune with her beloved aunt, Dorothy Jo, and the song became a Top 10 hit with Porter Wagoner during the early days of Dolly's career.

'Letter to Heaven' will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting May 4 through RCA Nashville/Legacy.