Dolly Parton has hailed Beyoncé’s reinterpretation of her classic song “Jolene” as a “bold” and refreshing take.
In a recent interview with “E! News” for the “Cowboy Carter” segment, Parton shared her thoughts on the pop icon’s version of her 1973 hit.
“Well, I think it was very bold of her,” Parton commented during the interview at Dollywood’s new Dolly Parton Experience. “When they said she was gonna do ‘Jolene,’ I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn’t. But I love what she did to it. And as a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them.”
Beyoncé’s rendition flips the script on the original, where Parton pleads with another woman not to take her man.
“She wasn’t gonna go beg some other woman like I did,” Parton said with a laugh. “‘Don’t steal my man.’ ‘St, get out here, b*h. You ain’t stealin’ mine.'”
Parton expressed her admiration for Beyoncé’s approach and her contribution to country music. “I thought she did a great job in country music, and I thought it was great. And I was just happy she did ‘Jolene.’ I, of course, would have loved to have heard how she would have done it in its original way. But of course, you know, it’s Beyoncé. Yeah, her life is different than mine.”
The country music legend revealed that she and Beyoncé have discussed the rendition since its release, confirming that all is well between them. Parton even hinted at a potential collaboration, expressing her willingness to duet with Beyoncé at the next Grammy Awards if the opportunity arises.
