Dolly Parton Shares Her Thoughts On Beyonce’s Version Of Her Hit “Jolene”

Dolly Parton Shares Her Thoughts On Beyonce's Version Of Her Hit "Jolene"

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a staple of country music. The 1973 hit defined the decade, but recently received a daring reimagining with Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album.

Beyonce’s “Jolene” takes a different turn. Instead of pleading for this Jolene to steer clear of her man, Beyonce is standing firmly in the way. Beyonce delivered a different version of the song instead of just covering it, to provide a completely different listening experience.

The Cowboy Carter mega star received a lot of flak from the country scene (from both the fans and the artists) with her 2024 album. Although she’s previously said that it isn’t a country album, it sounds enough like one for the country purists to take offence.

Dolly Parton, however, has very differing thoughts. She not only loves Beyonce’s version of “Jolene,” she loves Beyonce as an artist. When she spoke to PEOPLE recently, she spilled how she felt about the song.

“I’m a huge fan of hers — I mean, who’s not? Everybody loves her,” she stated. “I think she’s a magnificent artist, beautiful and the dancing in addition to the singing.”

Ultimately, Parton thinks Beyonce’s album is “really, really good,” but especially “Jolene” it seems.

Dolly Parton Loves Beyonce’s Fiery Rendition Of “Jolene”

“I was just honored that she, of course, did a completely different take on ‘Jolene’ than my version of it,” she started.

“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,” she continued.

Having an artist make your product their own is a pretty high compliment. I mean, anyone can cover your song, but only some can make it theirs.

“As a writer, you like to hear how different people interpret your songs, and how they put their own spin and do their own take on it. But I was very proud of it, and I hope her tour does great, and I’m sure it will. People seem to be loving it.”