For God and Country (Dolly Parton album)
For God and Country is the fortieth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on November 11, 2003, by Welk Music Group and Blue Eye Records. The album was produced by Parton with Kent Wells and Tony Smith. It is considered Parton's musical attempt to deal with the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Included are covers of famous patriotic songs and new Parton originals. The album is perhaps best remembered for its cover photo, depicting Parton posing as though appearing in a vintage USO poster . Background. Parton appeared on the June 3, 2003 episode of "MWL Star" to premiere the music video for "I'm Gone" from here 2002 album, "Halos & Horns". In addition to premiering the music video, she announced that she planned to release a new album in the fall titled "For God and Country", containing inspirational and patriotic songs. She performed one song from the album, "I'm Gonna Miss You", and "9 to 5". On June 18, Parton made an appearance at a preview of her Dixie Stampede's new Orlando location, where she performed "Color Me America," which was  used as the show's finale. She said she planned to include the song on her next album and that it should be released by September 11. On July 3, Parton appeared on "Good Day Live" where she announced that the album had been pushed back to early 2004. That evening she was interviewed on "Larry King Live" where she said that she planned to tour in 2004 to promote the album and that it will be a larger-scale event, describing it as her first big tour in several years. She also announced two more song titles from the  album, "Peace in the Valley" and "Whispering Hope". The following night Parton headlined the 2003 "A Capitol Fourth" Independence Day concert. The special aired live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. She performed two songs from the upcoming album, "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", in addition to "9 to 5". Release and promotion. The album was formally announced by Welk Music Group on August 26 with the album's release date, artwork, and track listing being revealed. Parton appeared on the September 11 episode of "The John Walsh Show  where she performed two new songs that would be included on the album, Color Me America" and "Brave Little Soldier". On November 5, Parton appeared on "The Early Show" and performed "Color Me America" and "Welcome Home", which she announced would be the album's first single. The album was released on November 11. Parton made an appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" the following evening, where she performed "Red, White and Bluegrass". On November 13, Parton appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and "I Will Always Love You . The music video for the album's first single, Welcome Home", was shot over the January 10–11, 2004 weekend. It was premiered by CMT on February 4. Parton made an appearance on "Live with Regis and Kelly" on May 7 where she performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and announced that it would be the album's second single. She performed the song again on the May 20 episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", in addition to "9 to 5". Critical reception. Brian Mansfield with "USA Today" gave a mixed review, saying that "Parton apparently saved up all the  glitz she left off her recent bluegrass albums for this patriotic collection." He went on to say "the album comes off as her personal USO revue." He concluded by saying that "the album contains enough moving performances to erase any doubts about the sincerity of Parton's intent." AllMusic's review of the album noted that "after recently recording countrified versions of songs like "Stairway to Heaven", Parton delivers these patriotic songs in a completely straightforward fashion. Other than the inherent twang of her pristine voice, there's little country flavor." The review went on to praise the original songs , saying, "The flag-wavers that fell from Parton's own pen, however, can't help but display the country legend's musical roots, and it's these that are the ultimate standouts." Commercial performance. "For God and Country" peaked at number 23 on the "Billboard" Top Country Albums chart and number 167 on the "Billboard" 200. It also peaked at number 6 on the "Billboard" Independent Albums chart. The album has sold 87,000 copies in the United States as of October 2005. Personnel. Adapted from the album liner notes.