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Shania Twain blames Dolly Parton for her fearless swagger

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 14, 2026
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Shania Twain blames Dolly Parton for her fearless swagger

**Shania Twain Honors Dolly Parton While Reviving “You’re Still the One” for Candy Crush**

Shania Twain has spoken publicly about the late Dolly Parton’s lasting impact on her career and life. The 61‑year‑old singer‑songwriter said, “She is the ultimate example of being true to oneself in every way,” as she promoted a new musical partnership with the mobile gaming app Candy Crush.

At the same time, Twain revealed that she had just released her seventh studio album, *Little Miss Twain*, featuring collaborations with country legend Tanya Tucker and rock frontman Josh Homme.

The August 25 news of Parton’s death—after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer—has cast a shadow over the music world. The 80‑year‑old icon was remembered by Twain as “very missed because we can never get enough of Dolly, and we didn’t get enough of Dolly…

She’s a big loss and she’s on my mind.” The singer also reflected on how Parton’s songwriting has inspired others, noting that songs like “Jolene” have been re‑recorded in many different ways.

The new Candy Crush collaboration sees Twain re‑imagining her hit “You’re Still the One” alongside DJ Zedd. , the track was given a fresh, dance‑oriented pulse while retaining its core melody. She explained that “Candy Crush chose the song… and I thought it was a very exciting concept…

When [these two styles] come together, it’s this explosion of a candy‑coated country world.” The partnership celebrates 30 years of the original single and introduces it to a new audience within the app’s music season.

In July, Twain released *Little Miss Twain*, her first album in several years. The record showcases collaborations with Tanya Tucker, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, and the duo The War and Treaty.

Twain told reporters that working with younger artists “gives me a lot of hope about where we’re going with music and creativity.” She added that being around fresh ideas “is where inspiration comes from” and that she enjoys “the new juice” that comes from such collaborations.

## Background & Context Shania Twain’s tribute to Dolly Parton is set against the backdrop of Parton’s recent passing on August 25. The 80‑year‑old country legend died after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer, a loss that resonated across the music industry.

Twain, 61, has long cited Parton as a major influence, describing her as “the ultimate example of being true to oneself in every way.” The singer’s comments echo the admiration many have for Parton’s unapologetic authenticity and creative vision.

## Collaborations & Tributes Twain’s most public homage comes through the Candy Crush partnership, which merges her classic hit with modern electronic production. Working with DJ Zedd, she described the re‑recording as a “fresh flair” that turns the love song into a dance track suitable for the app’s treasure‑hunt theme.

Twain emphasized that the song still keeps its original heart while adopting “a new pulse” for today’s listeners. The collaboration also celebrates three decades since the original release of “You’re Still the One.”

Beyond gaming, Twain has continued to pay respect to Parton’s songwriting legacy.

She noted that “Jolene” has been re‑recorded in many different ways, yet Parton remains a “magical songwriter who inspires others.” Twain sees her own work as part of this lineage of creative reinterpretation, stating it is “only a flattering thing.” These reflections underscore the enduring influence of Parton on contemporary artists across genres.

## Future Projects While no explicit future plans were announced beyond the current releases, Twain’s enthusiasm for collaboration remains clear. She expressed excitement about the Candy Crush project and her album *Little Miss Twain*, describing both as “a second life” for familiar songs.

Twain also highlighted the joy of “being around people that are doing things you may never have thought of,” a sentiment that points to ongoing creative exploration. At present, her focus appears to be on these projects and the continued celebration of Dolly Parton’s legacy.

Shania Twain’s recent statements weave together homage, innovation, and personal reflection, keeping Dolly Parton’s spirit alive while steering her own music into fresh, collaborative spaces.

Why It Matters

Shania Twain’s dual announcement underscores a growing trend where established artists leverage cross‑industry platforms to re‑introduce legacy material to new audiences. By partnering with the mobile gaming app Candy Crush and remixing a beloved country track with DJ Zedd, Twain taps into an expansive user base that traditionally consumes music through gameplay, thereby revitalizing her catalog’s relevance. This move also signals the blurring boundaries between music and interactive media—a phenomenon that has accelerated post‑pandemic as streaming services explore gamified experiences to retain listeners. For fans, the refreshed version offers a nostalgic yet contemporary listening experience, while the collaboration with Zedd injects fresh sonic textures that may attract younger demographics. The concurrent release of Little Miss Twain showcases Twain’s commitment to collaborative creativity, pairing seasoned country stars with alternative rock musicians and indie duos. This fusion demonstrates how genre‑crossing partnerships can produce innovative sounds that appeal to diverse fan bases. Collectively, Twain’s strategy highlights the importance of adaptive marketing, cross‑platform storytelling, and honoring musical legacies in sustaining an artist’s cultural relevance in a industry.

Our Take

Shania Twain’s recent moves illustrate that legacy artists can successfully reinvent themselves by embracing unconventional platforms and collaborations. The Candy Crush remix is more than a novelty; it strategically places her music inside a ubiquitous, interactive environment where millions of users spend hours daily. This exposure not only re‑energizes her catalog but also opens a dialogue with younger audiences who may never have engaged with classic country hits. Meanwhile, her album Little Miss Twain, featuring artists from diverse genres, proves that cross‑genre experimentation remains a potent tool for artistic growth and market expansion. By publicly honoring Dolly Parton, Twain reinforces the value of authenticity and storytelling—a core element that differentiates genuine artistry in a market saturated with manufactured sounds. Ultimately, her approach offers a blueprint for other veteran musicians: leverage digital ecosystems, embrace genre hybridity, and stay true to the narratives that resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Shania Twain
  • #Dolly Parton
  • #Candy Crush
  • #Little Miss Twain
  • #DJ Zedd

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