How Dolly Parton’s Iconic Duet with Sylvester Stallone Led to a Heartbreaking Missed Opportunity with Tina Turner

Dolly Parton’s deep admiration for the late Tina Turner is well known, with the two music legends crossing paths over the years in both musical influence and personal connection. In a heartfelt revelation in 2023, Parton reflected on a poignant moment in her career—a song she first recorded with Sylvester Stallone in 1984 for the film Rhinestone that she had hoped to one day perform with Turner. The song, “Stay Out of My Bedroom,” carries a special significance, as Parton had planned to revisit it for her 2023 album Rockstar as a duet with Turner. However, due to Turner’s declining health, this collaboration never came to fruition.

The Origins of “Stay Out of My Bedroom”

Rhinestone, the 1984 musical comedy starring Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone, was an unexpected project that brought the pair together in the world of country music. During a time when Stallone was known for his iconic roles in Rambo and Rocky, he made a dramatic pivot, donning cowboy hats and fringe to star as Nick Martinelli, a brash cab driver turned country singer. Parton played Jake Farris, a country singer who takes on the challenge of turning Martinelli into a star. As part of the film’s soundtrack, Parton wrote and performed several songs, including hits like “Tennessee Homesick Blues” and “What a Heartache.” She also recorded duets with Stallone, including tracks like “Sweet Lovin’ Friends” and “Be There.”

Among these songs was “Stay Out of My Bedroom,” a catchy, cheeky track that showcased Parton’s playful side. While Stallone’s participation in the movie’s soundtrack was limited to one solo performance and four duets, it was “Stay Out of My Bedroom” that stayed with Parton over the years.

A Duet with Tina Turner

Fast forward to 2023, when Parton was working on her rock album Rockstar. As she revisited her extensive catalog, she had a clear vision of a duet she dreamed of recording with Tina Turner. “I love Tina Turner,” Parton shared in an interview. “I did not know she was ill, or as ill as she was, and I wanted her to sing on my rock and roll album.” Chris Lord-Alge, the album’s mixer and a mutual acquaintance of Turner, had even planned to deliver the song to her, hoping to make the duet happen. However, Turner’s declining health, which was not widely known at the time, made the collaboration impossible.

Parton expressed her regret: “I was really sad about that because I had the perfect song that we were going to do,” she said. The song she was referring to was “Stay Out of My Bedroom,” a track she had originally recorded with Stallone nearly four decades earlier. Parton had always thought it would be the perfect song for a duet with Turner, given its lively, fun energy and Turner’s powerful voice. Parton’s admiration for Turner was clear, having performed some of Turner’s iconic hits, like “River Deep, Mountain High” and “Proud Mary,” live on several occasions.

A Missed Opportunity and Future Plans

Sadly, Turner passed away on May 24, 2023, at the age of 83, before the collaboration could be realized. Parton, who had been planning the duet, was deeply affected by her passing. The moment was bittersweet, especially considering the perfect fit of the song for a joint effort. “I didn’t even put it on the album,” Parton said. “Maybe I’ll do it some other time with somebody else.”

Parton’s tribute to Turner didn’t end with her remarks about the duet. In 2022, when she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Parton paid homage to Turner by wearing an outfit inspired by the legendary singer. This tribute was a reflection of Parton’s respect for Turner, both personally and professionally, and the deep connection they shared through their music.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although the opportunity for a duet between Parton and Turner was not meant to be, the music they shared through the years continues to inspire. For Parton, the recording of “Stay Out of My Bedroom” with Stallone remains a cherished memory, and she has expressed her hope to revisit the song with another artist in the future. Turner’s influence on Parton’s career, and on the music world as a whole, remains undeniable.

As fans continue to celebrate both Turner’s and Parton’s unparalleled contributions to music, the dream of their duet serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to connect artists and fans alike. Parton’s vision of collaborating with Turner may have been unfulfilled, but the legacy of their work together, through influences and tributes, will live on for generations to come.