In a highly anticipated move, music icon Beyoncé is set to release her country album, "Cowboy Carter," on March 29, featuring a cover of Dolly Parton's classic hit "Jolene." Parton, who had previously hinted at the collaboration, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to encourage fans to listen to her original version while waiting for Beyoncé's release.
"Listen to my original 'Jolene' while you wait for Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter," Parton wrote in her post, generating excitement among fans of both artists. The announcement comes shortly after Beyoncé released the tracklist for her upcoming album, which has been over five years in the making.
Parton, who has been supportive of Beyoncé's foray into country music, had previously told Knox News, "Well, I think she has! 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." The Queen of Country Music has been vocal about her admiration for Beyoncé, gushing, "I love her! She's a beautiful girl and a great singer."
Beyoncé's transition from house music to country has been met with both excitement and criticism. Some country radio stations have refused to play her songs, and many have complained about her new style. However, Parton has welcomed Queen Bey into the genre, celebrating her achievement of becoming the first Black woman to reach No. 1 on the country charts with "Texas Hold 'Em."
"I'm a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she's done a country album," Parton wrote on Instagram. "So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single."
Beyoncé's decision to create a country album stems from an experience she had years ago where she did not feel welcomed in the genre. "This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed...and it was very clear that I wasn't," she wrote on Instagram, likely referring to her performance with the Chicks at the Country Music Association Awards in 2016, which was widely criticized.
"Jolene," one of Parton's most popular songs, has been covered by several other artists, including Parton's goddaughter Miley Cyrus, The White Stripes, Olivia Newton-John, and Lil Nas X. The song, which Rolling Stone ranked No. 63 on its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, is about a bank teller who was flirting with Parton's husband.
"She got this terrible crush on my husband and he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention," Parton recalled. "It was kinda like a running joke between us. I was saying, 'Hell, you're spending a lot of time at the bank. I don't believe we've got that kind of money.' So it's really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one."
In addition to the "Jolene" cover, "Cowboy Carter" will also feature a Parton-themed song called "Dolly P," though it is not known whether the country star herself will appear on the track. The album is the second act of Beyoncé's three-act project, following her Renaissance album, subsequent tour, and record-breaking concert film, which paid tribute to house music and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture.
As fans eagerly await the release of "Cowboy Carter," Parton's message to listen to her original "Jolene" serves as a reminder of the song's enduring popularity and the excitement surrounding Beyoncé's country music debut.
