Dolly Parton Teases ‘Jolene’ Cover By Beyoncé May be In the Works for ‘Act II’

Country fans might be getting a new cover of ‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton from Beyoncé in the near future.

In a recent interview with Knox News, Parton, 78, let everyone know that the 42-year-old singer recorded a cover of her iconic 1973 single “Jolene.”

When asked about the rumor that Beyoncé will be covering one of her songs for the upcoming Act II album, Parton stated, “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.”

“I love her!” the country music icon added of Beyoncé. “She’s a beautiful girl and a great singer. We’ve kind of sent messages back and forth through the years. And she and her mother were like fans, and I was always touched that they were fans, and I always thought she was great.”

Parton noted that she as well as the rest of us are not too sure of what will be coming for the album, and everyone will have to wait on March 29 for the potential new cover.

ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 23: Dolly Parton performs during the halftime show during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on November 23, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Parton offered her congratulations and well wishes to Beyoncé when the news came up that she dipped into the genre.

Last month, Billboard announced that the Renaissance singer became the first Black female artist to top the Hot Country Songs chart with her single, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The singer’s other new offering, “16 Carriages,” also cracked the Top 10 at No. 9.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Beyoncé accepts Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for “Renaissance” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

“I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album,” Parton shared in a statement at the time. “So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”

Parton reiterated her praise while speaking with Knox News, welcoming the Houston-born musician at a time when she’s received pushback for tapping into her country roots when she’s traditionally viewed as an R&B/Pop artist.

“A lot of people don’t realize Beyoncé is a country girl. She’s from Texas,” Parton said. “I think we belong wherever we can do good, and her song is number one across every chart in the whole world, I think. So, I mean, who can argue with that?”

On her 2016 magnum opus, Lemonade, the singer reached into her country roots for “Daddy Lessons,” which she later performed alongside The Chicks at the 50th annual Country Music Association Awards.

Fans can dive into the full experience of Renaissance: Act II when it drops on March 29.