Parton recorded her contribution to 'Torn' in Nashville in June, months before her death. She wrote, 'Hope you like what I did... I love the song, and I think it could be something really special.'

U2 confirmed Parton recorded the song while ill, with Bono stating she 'got out of her bed to sing this song.' The track, co-written by U2, Parton, and Johnny McDaid, marks her final recorded vocal performance.