Beyoncé has infused new life into Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” putting a distinctive twist on the song with updated lyrics that have made quite the impression. Dolly Parton, now 78, candidly expressed her initial surprise and her thoughts on the creative liberties taken by Beyoncé with the beloved 1976 tune.
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During an interview with E! News, the cherished singer-songwriter from Pittman Center, Tennessee remarked, “When they said she was gonna do ‘Jolene,’ I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn’t.” Despite this unexpected turn, Parton showed nothing but admiration for Beyoncé’s rendition, stating, “But I love what she did to it. As a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them. Well, I think it was very bold of her.”
The reimagined “Jolene” found a spot on Beyoncé’s latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” her remarkable 13th solo studio effort, where Parton even features in the intro, setting the stage for this fresh take with a spoken word piece that evokes her persona and storytelling prowess.
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Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” carries a more assertive tone, evident from lines like “I’m warning you don’t come for my man,” replacing Parton’s original plea. Beyoncé continues to redefine the narrative with new lyrics such as, “It takes more than beauty and seductive stares / To come between a family and a happy man,” showcasing her unique perspective on the classic tale.
In the hours following the release of “Cowboy Carter,” Parton took to her social media to extend her endorsement, playfully writing, “Wow, I just heard ‘Jolene.’ Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it! Love, Dolly P.”
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Dolly Parton penned and recorded “Jolene” in May 1973, and later released it as the lead single and eponymous track of her 13th studio album that October. The song soared to become Parton’s second solo number-one single on the country charts and has since earned its place as a country music standard. Recognized by critics and crowned by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of all time, “Jolene” has garnered Grammy nominations and been covered extensively across languages and genres over the decades.
Further enhancing her legacy on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” Parton’s voice graces the track “Tyrant,” too, bringing her distinctive charm to the project. Beyoncé’s country foray harmoniously blends an array of musical styles, resonating with fans worldwide and earning accolades, including a debut at number one in various countries.
Living up to her Texan roots, Beyoncé, having been raised with country influences by her paternal grandfather during family outings to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, extends this cultural tapestry into her music, paying homage to the genre. “Cowboy Carter” marks Beyoncé’s eighth consecutive chart-topping album on the Billboard 200 and notably becomes the first album by a Black woman to lead the Top Country Albums chart.
Beyoncé’s singles like “Texas Hold ‘Em,” “16 Carriages,” and “II Most Wanted” have further propelled the success of the album, while Parton revealed the enchanting backstory of writing “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” on the same day, both becoming chart-topping hits and enduring treasures in the canon of American music.
