Dolly Parton Gushes Over Beyoncé Amid “Jolene” Remake Rumors

Beyoncé has garnered the praises of country music icon Dolly Parton yet again amid rumors that Bey recorded a cover to Parton’s classic single “Jolene.”

In a recent interview with Knox News, Parton responded to a question regarding Beyoncé having possibly recorded a revamped version of Parton’s signature single, which was released in 1973. And according to Parton, the cover may appear on Beyonce‘s forthcoming Act II album.

“Well, I think she has!” the 78-year-old said of Beyoncé remaking one of her songs. “I think she’s recorded ‘Jolene’ and I think it’s probably gonna be on her country album, which I’m very excited about that.” She continued to gush about Knowles, exclaiming “I love her!” while noting that she’s “a beautiful girl and a great singer.”

Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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However, Parton would admit that she’d hadn’t heard the song herself, but that she “thinks” and “hopes” that the rumors of Beyoncé taking on “Jolene” are true. She also revealed that she’s been in contact with both Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles, both of whom are fans of her music.

“We’ve kind of sent messages back and forth through the years. And she and her mother were like fans, and I was always touched that they were fans, and I always thought she was great,” Parton said.

(L-R) Tina Knowles and Beyoncé attend the Luar fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 13, 2024 in New York City.

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Dolly Parton was among the first members of the country music community to publicly embrace Beyoncé following her announcement of plans to release a country album.

After the Houston native’s single “Texas Hold ‘Em” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart, Parton spoke glowingly of the 42-year-old while expressed her anticipation for the full project.

“I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album,” Parton wrote on social media at the time. “So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”

Dolly Parton performs at the 2021 Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Concert at CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 24, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Since revealing that her follow-up to Renaissance will consist entirely of country music during a Verizon Super Bowl commercial, Beyoncé has quickly proved that her dominance transcends genre.

In the wake of “Texas Hold ‘Em”s release, she became the first Black woman to top both the Hot Country Songs chart also became the first woman to also reign atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Charts simultaneously.

Beyoncé’s Act II album is scheduled for release on March 29.

Beyoncé accepts the Best Dance/Electronic Music Album award for “Renaissance” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

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