'Ruined the song': Beyonce's 'Jolene' revision draws backlash despite praise from Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton said, 'Wow, I just heard Jolene, Beyonce is giving that girl trouble and she deserves it'
PUBLISHED MAR 31, 2024
Dolly Parton praises Beyonce's version of 'JOLENE' in an Instagram post (Getty Images)
Dolly Parton praises Beyonce's version of 'JOLENE' in an Instagram post (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After dropping her country-infused album 'Cowboy Carter', Beyonce found herself in the spotlight again, this time earning praise from none other than Dolly Parton herself. Parton lauded Beyonce's rendition of 'JOLENE', a track featured in the album.

Despite the acclaim from Parton, Beyonce still faced criticism from trolls for her take on 'JOLENE'. However, the negativity didn't overshadow the success of 'Cowboy Carter'. The album shattered Spotify records, amassing a staggering 76.13 million streams within just a day of its release.

Among the standout tracks on the album is 'II Most Wanted', a collaboration with Miley Cyrus. The song quickly climbed the iTunes charts, garnering widespread attention. Cyrus, impressed by Beyonce's work, took to social media to express her admiration for the 'Single Ladies' singer in a heartfelt note.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)


 

Dolly Parton sings praises for Beyonce's 'JOLENE'

According to the Daily Mail, Parton, the iconic country singer, reacted to Beyonce's rendition of her classic 1973 hit 'JOLENE', featured in Beyonce's new country album 'Cowboy Carter'. Parton was thoroughly impressed and took to Instagram to express her support for Beyonce's venture into a new genre.

Parton's note on Instagram read, "Wow, I just heard Jolene. Beyonce is giving that girl trouble and she deserves it! Love, Dolly P."


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)


 

Parton also shared her excitement about Beyonce's foray into country music with the release of 'Cowboy Carter'. Beyonce's version of 'JOLENE' included some significant tweaks to the original lyrics, giving the song a fresh, edgy twist.

In Beyonce's rendition, she changed the lyrics to convey a more assertive message, warning Jolene to stay away from her man.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)


 

She sang, "You're beautiful beyond compare, Takes more than beauty and seductive stares, To come between a family and a happy man. Jolene I'm a woman too, The games you are playing are nothing new, So you don't want no heat with me, Jolene. I'm warning you woman, find you your own man, Jolene, I know I'm a queen, Jolene, I'm still a Creole banjee b***h from Louisiana (Don't try me)."

According to the Daily Mail, Parton shared her wish for Beyonce to cover 'JOLENE' during an interview with Trevor Noah in 2022. Parton spoke highly of Beyonce's talent and beauty, expressing her admiration for her music.

Internet users disagree with Dolly Parton's opinion on Beyonce's version of 'JOLENE'

Numerous readers online commented on Parton praising Beyonce, with one writing, "Dolly is a sweet old soul and generous...but Beyonce has not only ruined the song but it trying to sully up Country Music."

Another user wrote, "Dolly is so sweet. She’d support and sing with anyone, even on her own song. It doesn’t make Beyoncé any more a country singer, though. Beyoncé is a rhinestone while Dolly is a diamond. "

A user commented, "Sorry Dolly, although I know you HAD to say that, I strongly disagree. Beyonce's version was absolutely awful."

Another user commented, "Sorry Dolly but no one should ever ruin your song Jolene, no matter how powerful they are in the music industry. that song has always been special just the way it is. "

A user stated, "If someone is going to cover a Dolly Parton song, they have got to be a powerhouse like her. Ex. Whitney Houston! Beyonce is no Dolly, and definitely no Whitney. "

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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