Dolly Parton has requested fans listen to her mega-hit ‘Jolene’ before Beyoncé shares her version on Friday (29.03.24).
The ‘Crazy in Love’ hitmaker shared the track-listing for her upcoming country album, ‘Cowboy Carter’, this week, and Dolly is calling on her followers to stream the 1973 classic.
Sharing the track-list on her Instagram Story, she wrote: “Play the original while you wait for @beyonce’s “Jolene”.”
As well as the record-breaking ‘Texas ‘Hold ‘Em’ and ’16 Carriages’, Beyoncé’s epic 27-song collection features the following tracks: ‘Ameriican Requiem,’ ‘Blackbiird,’ ‘Protector,’ ‘My Rose,’ ‘Bodyguard,’ ‘Daughter,’ ‘Spaghettii,’ ‘Alliigator Tears,’ ‘Smoke Hour II,’ ‘Just for Fun,’ ‘II Most Wanted,’ ‘Levii’s Jeans,’ ‘Flamenco,’ ‘Ya Ya,’ ‘Oh Louisiana,’ ‘Desert Eagle,’ ‘Riiverdance,’ ‘Tyrant,’ ‘II Hands II Heaven,’ ‘Sweet Honey Buckin’, and ‘Amen’.
The 78-year-old country music icon let slip that the 42-year-old megastar was considering releasing a version of her timeless song for ‘Renaissance Act II’.
Speaking to Knox News, she said of the rumours that they recorded a duet for the album: “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!
“She’s a beautiful girl and a great singer.”
And it turns out the ‘9 to 5’ hitmaker had wanted the former Destiny’s Child star to cover the song for years.
She said: “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.”
The ‘Single Ladies’ hitmaker became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ after it debuted at No.1 on the US chart, and ’16 Carriages’ has also racked up some impressive streams.
‘Renaissance Act II’ is the second part of her planned ‘Renaissance’ trilogy – following the 2022 dance record ‘Renaissance’.
There has been quite the debate surrounding her foray into country, which sees the Houston-native pay homage to her Southern roots, but the Queen of Country herself spoke out to defend the star.
Dolly shared on social media: “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album.
“So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”