Beyoncé receives praise from Dolly Parton for Jolene cover after the global superstar released her country album, Cowboy Carter. The album features a reimagined version of Parton’s classic, and both country icons have addressed Beyoncé’s approach, artistry, and impact since the record’s release in 2024.
Dolly Parton Commends Beyoncé’s Ambitious Country Project
With her eighth studio album, Beyoncé stepped into the realm of country music, delivering songs like the chart-topping “Texas Hold ‘Em” and a bold cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” While the original “Jolene” is a pleading appeal, Beyoncé’s version stands out with altered lyrics and a commanding tone, including the line,
I’m warning you, don’t come for my man.
—Beyoncé, Artist
Parton, known for hits like “9 to 5,” recognized these changes and spoke candidly in a recent interview about Beyoncé’s rendition. She expressed genuine appreciation for the Destiny’s Child alumna, emphasizing her admiration.
I mean, who’s not? Everybody loves her,
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
Parton went on to describe Beyoncé’s artistry, highlighting both her vocal and performance skills.
I think she’s a magnificent artist, beautiful and the dancing in addition to the singing,
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
Beyoncé’s Take on ‘Jolene’ Receives Dolly’s Approval
Dolly Parton acknowledged not only the creative differences in the new version but the honor she felt as the song’s originator.
I was just honored that she, of course, did a completely different take on ‘Jolene’ than my version of it,
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
She contrasted her own tender approach with Beyoncé’s assertive reinterpretation:
Hers was more like, ‘Well, you’re not getting him, you’re not taking him, you’re going to go through me to get him.’ Mine was more like, ‘Please don’t take him!’ So I loved her interpretation.
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
Parton revealed she always finds it interesting to see how other musicians interpret her work but made clear her particular pride toward Beyoncé’s version, extending well wishes for her ongoing “Cowboy Carter” tour.
Dolly Parton Defends Beyoncé’s Country Credentials
Rumors about Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” circulated even before the album dropped, and Parton reiterated her longstanding respect for the singer. Reflecting on the project, she said she was
excited she’s done a country album.
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
Dispelling doubts about Beyoncé’s place in country music, the 79-year-old spoke up for the Texas native, saying that people often forget her roots:
don’t realize Beyoncé is a country girl … from Texas.
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
Parton also encouraged openness in the genre, referring to Beyoncé’s widespread success:
I think we belong wherever we can do good, and her song is number one across every chart in the whole world, I think. So, I mean, who can argue with that?
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
Beyoncé’s Historic Omission at the Country Music Awards Raises Questions
Despite the commercial triumph of “Texas Hold ‘Em”—a single that became the first No. 1 country hit by a Black woman—Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter was excluded from the 2024 Country Music Awards ballot. The snub led to vocal outrage among the BeyHive, who argued that history-making achievements deserved recognition.
Dolly Parton offered her perspective on why Beyoncé might not have been nominated.
Well, you never know. There’s so many wonderful country artists that, I guess, probably the country music field, they probably thought, well, we can’t really leave out some of the ones that spend their whole life doing that,
—Dolly Parton, Singer-Songwriter
The debate drew attention from many in the music world, further fueling discussion about inclusion and recognition in country music’s institutions.
Luke Bryan Comments on Beyoncé’s Role in Country Music
Luke Bryan, famed for tracks like
“Country Girl (Shake It for Me)”
and a former CMA host, also spoke about the controversy in an interview with Andy Cohen. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, especially considering Beyoncé’s broad and passionate fan base.
It’s a tricky question because, obviously, Beyoncé made a country album, and Beyoncé has a lot of fans out there that have her back. And if she doesn’t get something they want, man, they come at you,
—Luke Bryan, Country Music Singer
Bryan stated his support for artists crossing into country, emphasizing that genre is open but achievement in the field isn’t automatic.
I’m all for everybody coming in and making country albums and all that. But just by declaring that, just because she made one. I don’t need [a nomination], just ’cause I make one.
—Luke Bryan, Country Music Singer
He spoke broadly about the community’s embrace but noted there are expectations about participation in award culture:
Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album. Nobody’s mad about it. But where things get a little tricky and, and you know — if you’re gonna make country albums, come into our world and be country with us a little bit,
—Luke Bryan, Country Music Singer
Bryan highlighted Beyoncé’s overwhelming influence, but also the importance of camaraderie among artists at events.
Beyoncé can do it exactly what she wants to. She’s probably the biggest star in music.
—Luke Bryan, Country Music Singer
He concluded with an invitation for collaborative spirit:
But come to an award show and high-five us, and have fun and get in the family too,
—Luke Bryan, Country Music Singer
And I’m not saying she didn’t do that.
—Luke Bryan, Country Music Singer
The release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter has prompted extensive conversations among fans, fellow artists, and industry figures about artistic boundaries, representation, and recognition in country music. At the center remains the striking moment where legends like Dolly Parton embrace innovation and highlight the continued evolution of the genre.
