In a recent interview with Knox News, Dolly Parton revealed the possibility of her iconic song “Jolene” being featured on Beyoncé’s upcoming country album Rennaisance Act II. She remarked, “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.”
Parton was very specific in her language that she “hopes” and “thinks” the pop star will cut her song. Fans will have to wait until the album is officially released on March 29th to confirm speculation.
Parton did confirm that the two artists have been in contact over the years.
“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.”
Despite praise from one of the country’s greatest, die-hard fans of the genre have greeted her entrance to country music with some pushback. Nevertheless, “Texas Hold ‘Em” reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as her first country song to enter the chart.
Upon achieving her 14th chart topper, Parton posted a statement congratulating Beyoncé. “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.”
Beyoncé is not the only pop artist to announce an entrance to the genre this year. This past January, indie-pop starlet Lana Del Rey announced that her next album, titled Lasso, will be a country record and that she’s working with Nashville songwriter Luke Laird, who has written with the likes of Eric Church and Chris Stapleton.
Arguably, the most anticipated pop artist to “go country” is Post Malone as it’s been rumored he’ll also be releasing a country album soon. Earlier this month, he posted a clip to his Instagram account teasing a song he’s been working on in collaboration with Luke Combs. Post Malone also appeared at the CMA Awards singing “Pickup Man” alongside Morgan Wallen and HARDY.
