Photo Credit: Reuters
Country music icon Dolly Parton is giving a thumbs up to Beyoncé's recent reimagining of her classic song "Jolene." In a twist that surprised even Parton herself, Beyoncé took a daring approach to the 1973 hit, flipping the script on the original lyrics.
Parton, speaking with E! News at the opening of Dollywood's new Dolly Parton Experience, revealed her initial surprise at Beyoncé's interpretation. "Well, I think it was very bold of her," Parton said. "When they said she was gonna do 'Jolene,' I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn't."
The original "Jolene" paints a picture of a desperate plea from a woman begging another woman, Jolene, to leave her man aloneBeyoncé's version, however, takes a more confident stance. Parton, with a hearty laugh, described the difference: "She wasn't gonna go beg some otherwoman like I did,' Parton said. 'Don't steal my man.' 'St, get out here, b*h. You ain't stealin' mine.'"
Despite the unexpected twist, Parton is full of admiration for Beyoncé's work. "But I love what she did to it," Parton continued. "And as a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them."
Parton's enthusiasm extends beyond just "Jolene." She expressed pride in Beyoncé's foray into country music, on the album that featured their collaboration. "I thought she did a great job in country music, and I thought it was great. And I was just happy she did 'Jolene,'" Parton said. "I, of course, would have loved to have heard how she would have done it in its original way," she admitted, "But of course, you know,
it's Beyoncé. Yeah, her life is different than mine."
The mutual respect between the two musical powerhouses is clear. Parton revealed that she and Beyoncé had spoken since the album's release, and assured fans that "all is well." In fact, the feeling seems to be so positive that Parton extended an exciting invitation. "I would be happy to duet with her at the next Grammy Awards ceremony should the opportunity present itself," Parton said, leaving fans to dream about a potential future collaboration between these two queens of music.
