When Dolly Parton heard the original version of “Christmas Where We Are,” written and recorded by her niece, Jada Star, and Jada’s singing partner Barry J, she knew she wanted to record it on A Holly Dolly Christmas. The singer/songwriter duo was thrilled to learn that “Aunt Dolly” had recorded their song. Dolly said,
“I’m very proud of all my family… And Jada’s a great writer, great singer. I think she’s going to write a lot of good stuff through the years.”
Jada and Barry co-wrote the holiday song for their 2019 Dollywood Christmas show, A Songbook Christmas. Dolly’s version of the song gave her and longtime friend Billy Ray Cyrus the opportunity to sing together again. The upbeat duet is a cheerful reminder that the joy of the holidays is found in the love we have for family and friends. Barry said,
“It’s incredible to actually have two iconic singers sing something that came from you as a songwriter. We’re so truly blessed.”
Songwriting comes naturally to Jada, as it’s practically in her DNA. Her mother is Dolly’s sister, Frieda Estelle, who co-wrote “Sing for the Common Man,” which appears on Dolly’s iconic 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs album.
Singer/songwriters Jada Star and Barry J (Jada Roberts and Barry Jobe) have been performing and writing songs together for several years. When they are not touring, they can be found onstage at Dollywood. In addition to their Songbook show, they are featured performers in My People, My Music, alongside Randy Parton and Heidi Parton. Find performance dates and purchase their music at Jadastarandbarryj.com.
Available now, A Holly Dolly Christmas is Dolly’s first holiday album in 30 years. This festive collection of music includes treasured Christmas songs we all know and love, as well as five original tunes written by Dolly, one she co-wrote with Kent Wells and one written by her niece, Jada Star, with co-writer Barry Jobe. The album features incredible duets with some of Dolly’s dearest friends, including Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon and Willie Nelson and also spotlights a special song with her brother, Randy Parton, and niece, Heidi Parton.
