JOLENE

Best Covers Of Dolly Parton’s Classic “Jolene”

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It’s been over 50 years since Dolly Parton released “Jolene” and the classic hit continues to make waves. Over the years, many artists have covered the iconic track across different genres. While a lot of these covers sound great, most listeners agree that the original song still reigns supreme. Nevertheless, there have been some truly outstanding renditions delivered over time.

Most recently, Beyonce’s take on the song from her Cowboy Carter album has generated overwhelming media buzz, and rightly so. Many believe it will go down in history as one of the best covers of “Jolene” and we couldn’t agree more. While the original will forever standout, many covers have begun to stand the test of time as well. Here are five of the best covers of the evergreen song.

Read More: Best Dolly Parton Samples In Hip Hop & R&B

5. Olivia Newton-John

Three years after Dolly Parton released “Jolene,” Olivia Newton-John recorded and dropped a cover of the song. As a matter of fact, it was released as the second single from her seventh studio album, Come On Over (1976). It is one of the most recognized versions of the song, and for good reason. Miss Newton-John did the track justice, delivering an unforgettable rendition with her beautiful soprano voice.

4. Lil Nas X

In 2021, Lil Nas X paid homage to Dolly Parton when he performed a cover of “Jolene” on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, earning praise from the country legend herself. Some may be surprised to see the “Old Town Road” crooner’s name on this list. However, he does give an excellent performance of the song. While his version is laid-back, that takes nothing away from it. The soft, almost haunting instrumentation, in addition to how defeated he sounds singing about Jolene, works perfectly.

3. Kelly Clarkson

Being that she was the very first American Idol, Kelly Clarkson was already a trailblazing icon. However, over the years, she has grown in prominence and renown. Besides being known for her original smash hits, Clarkson now also has a reputation for completely eating up covers. The iconic “Kelly-oke” session from The Kelly Clarkson Show has seen the singer elevate many songs by other artists. It’s no surprise that Clarkson has had a go at performing “Jolene” as Dolly Parton is one of her idols. While Parton’s version remains undefeated, Kelly Clarkson’s rendition gives it a run for its money for sure. It is sung excellently, as expected.

2. Beyoncé

After Beyoncé officially announced Act II back in February, fans did not know what to expect from the album. However, there were quite a few predictions of a Dolly Parton appearance, and some people even successfully predicted a “Jolene” cover. Cowboy Carter dropped, and fans evidently can’t get enough of the album with her cover of “Jolene” becoming one of the most popular tracks on the album right now. Beyoncé’s unique take on the track is interesting, featuring new lyrics that are sure to keep Jolene far away from her man. With lyrics like “I’m warning you, don’t come for my man,” and “I’m still a Creole banjee bitch from Louisiana,” Beyoncé isn’t interested in having a conversation.

Read More: Dolly Parton Net Worth 2023: What Is The Country Music Legend Worth?

1. Miley Cyrus

Fans of Miley Cyrus know she adores Dolly Parton, and her cover of “Jolene” is certainly the best of the best. Over the years, Cyrus has performed the song many times, sometimes even with Parton. However, for this piece, we will be highlighting the cover from Cyrus’ “Backyard Sessions” in 2011. The “Flowers” singer has always been a star, and its performances like this that cemented her as such. There’s a reason her cover of “Jolene” has over 450 million YouTube views currently… It’s just that good. Barefoot and free, Cyrus was evidently in her element.

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Lily Allen Calls Beyonce’s “Jolene” Cover “Weird”

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Last week, Beyonce unleashed her new album COWBOY CARTER. The project saw her shifting her style in a country music direction and receiving massive acclaim from critics for doing so. But critics weren’t the only ones to come out in support of the project. Many of Bey’s fellow musicians and celebrities have taken the opportunity to praise the record. Michelle Obama posted an entire Twitter thread showing love for the record. Earlier this week Bey received a special innovator award during the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

But not everyone is as big of a fan of COWBOY CARTER. During a recent episode of her podcast pop singer Lily Allen had some less than stellar things to say about the album and one song in particular. She criticized the rollout of the record as being over-planned and even cited Jay-Z’s viral Grammys speech as a reason. In particular, she took issue with Bey’s cover of “JOLENE” by Dolly Parton. “I just feel like it’s quite an interesting thing to do when you’re like trying to tackle a new genre and you just choose the biggest song in that genre to cover. I mean, you do you, Beyoncé, and she literally is doing her. Or is she doing Dolly?” Allen said on her show. Check out the full podcast episode where they discuss the album below.

Read More: Beyonce’s Uncle Dies At 77, Tina Knowles Confirms

Lily Allen’s Thoughts on “COWBOY CARTER”

Beyonce has already dropped her first addition to the COWBOY CARTER era. Earlier this week she began teasing something on her website, which turned out to be a new remix. Overnight she dropped the “TEXAS HOLD EM” (Pony Up) Remix. The new version is likely to boost the song’s already strong surge up the charts in the next few weeks even higher. The track is expected to climb as high as number two on the Hot 100 next week.

What do you think of Lily Allen’s comments about COWBOY CARTER and “JOLENE?” DO you think she makes a good point about covering one of the most famous country songs of all time? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Beyonce’s Shocking Vegas Residency Budget Unveiled

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It Turns Out Beyoncé Got Stevie Wonder To Perform On One Of Her ‘Cowboy Carter’ Songs

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Beyonce Stevie Wonder 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards
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Beyoncé got music icons contemporary and classic to help her out with her new album Cowboy Carter, collaborating with everybody from Dolly Parton to Miley Cyrus to Willie Nelson to Post Malone. It turns out the roster of collaborators goes deeper than the features: The full album credits were revealed previously and Stevie Wonder is credited with playing harmonica on the cover of Parton’s “Jolene.”

Beyoncé referenced this while accepting the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Tuesday (April 1). Wonder presented it, and Beyoncé said, “Thank you so much, Stevie, I love you. I love you and I honor you. I want to thank you for making a way for all of us. I’m honored to receive this recognition from you, Stevie Wonder. Whenever anyone asks me if there’s anyone I can listen to for the rest of my life, it’s always you. So thank you, God bless you.”

Wonder responded, “I just want to thank you for motivating the world to become a better place.” Bey replied, “Thank you so much. And thank you for playing the harmonica on ‘Jolene.’”

Looking over the full album credits (again, find those here) reveals some other under-the-radar contributors to the album: Jay-Z, Raye, The-Dream, Pharrell Williams, and 070 Shake all have songwriting credits.

Dolly Parton Had Hoped That Beyoncé Would Cover ‘Jolene’ Years Ago And It Would ‘Be Killer’

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Dolly Parton apparently knew two years ago that a collaboration with Beyoncé was in the card. Even more specifically, she appeared on The Daily Show to chat with Trevor Noah and dished about how she’d love to hear the icon’s spin of her song “Jolene.”

Noah had asked the question because he had heard it as a rumor. At the time, Parton seemed to think it was a long shot dream.

“I don’t know if she’s even got the message, but wouldn’t that be killer?” Parton shared, with the video reposted by The Daily Show here. “I think she’s fantastic and beautiful, and I love her music. I would just love to hear ‘Jolene’ done in just a big way, kind of like how Whitney did my ‘I Will Always Love You,’ just someone who can take my little songs and make ’em like powerhouses. So that would be a marvelous day in my life, if she ever does do ‘Jolene.’”

So, Parton is having a fantastic day today — as Bey’s cover of “Jolene” is featured on her new Cowboy Carter record. “Wow, I just heard ‘Jolene,’” Parton also posted on Twitter following the album’s release. “Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!”

Check out Beyoncé’s reintrepretation of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” above.

How Are Beyoncé’s ‘Jolene’ And Dolly Parton’s Original Version Different?

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Beyoncé’s highly anticipated new album Cowboy Carter is out now, and one of the most talked-about tracks early on is Bey’s new rendition of the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene.” Notably, Beyoncé took some creative liberties with the song that represent a significant transformation.

How Are Beyoncé’s “Jolene” And Dolly Parton’s Original Version Different?

Here are the lyrics to the opening chorus in Parton’s version, followed by Beyoncé’s (all lyrics via Genius):

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him just because you can.”

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man (Jolene)
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Don’t take the chance because you think you can.”

The differences here are subtle but represent a significant tonal shift: While Parton’s lyrics are a plea, Beyoncé’s are more of a warning, a demand. Beyoncé doubles down on the assertiveness in a different version of the chorus later in the song:

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m warnin’ you, woman, find you your own man
Jolene, I know I’m a queen, Jolene
I’m still a Creole banjee b*tch from Louisianne (Don’t try me).”

The shift from meagerness to self-confidence is the primary shift throughout the song, like on the first verses of both versions. Here’s Parton’s, then Beyoncé’s:

“Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene.”

“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
Thе games you play are nothing new
So you don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene
We’ve been deep in love for 20 years
I raised that man, I raised his kids
I know my man better than he knows himself (Yeah, what?)
I can easily understand
Why you’re attracted to my man
But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot with someone else (You heard me).”

So, stated simply, the lyrical difference between the two renditions is that Parton’s is defensive while Beyoncé’s is more on the attack.

Listen to Beyoncé’s version above and Parton’s below.

Beyoncé Reimagines Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ As A Warning Message To A Trifling Woman

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On her newest album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé takes on a country classic. Following much buzz, Cowboy Carter features a new version of Dolly Parton’s iconic anthem, “Jolene.” But this time, the Queen Bey ain’t messing around.

Bey’s version of “Jolene” features some notable lyric chance, warning a trifling woman to stay away from her man.

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m warnin’ you, woman, find you your own man / Jolene, I know I’m a queen, Jolene / I’m still a Creole banjee b*tch from Louisiana,” she sings on the song’s chorus.

On Parton’s version, Parton tells the song’s subject “my happiness depends on you,” but Bey warns this woman that in her book, it’s the other way around.

“I had to have this talk with you / ‘Cause I hate to have to act the fool / Your peace depends on how you move, Jolene,” sings Bey.

On the Cowboy Carter tracklist, this new version of “Jolene” is preceded by an interlude called “Dolly P,” featuring Parton herself, leaving a comforting voicemail to Bey.

“Hey miss Honey B, it’s Dolly P,” says Parton. “You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about? Reminding me of someone I knew back when Except she has flamin’ locks of auburn hair. Bless her heart. Just a hair of a different color but it hurts just the same.”

You can listen to “Dolly P” and Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” above.

Cowboy Carter is out now via Parkwood and Columbia Records. Find more information here.

“COWBOY CARTER” Tracklist: Beyonce’s Next Album To Include “Jolene,” “Levii’s Jeans,” And 25 More Songs

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It feels like just yesterday that Beyonce shared her groundbreaking RENAISSANCE album, but it’s due to celebrate its second anniversary this July. As promised, she’ll be sharing the second part of the three-installment series this Friday (March 29), and has already been giving us a COWBOY CARTER rollout that’s full of inspiring Western looks for the summer season. On Tuesday (March 26), the “Halo” hitmaker donned a Canadian tuxedo for an Instagram Reel soundtracked to Sly & The Family Stone’s “Spaced Cowboy.”

In the comment section, the BeyHive didn’t take long to begin begging for the tracklist. Thankfully, unlike her RENAISSANCE visuals, the blonde beauty quickly obliged, unveiling the impressive 27-song lineup for COWBOY CARTER on Wednesday afternoon. It’s unclear if she’ll be working with any other artists, but we do know the previously teased cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” appears to be on the album. Other titles like “DOLLY P” and “WILLIE NELSON SMOKE HOUR” suggest we could hear from the country legends alongside Bey, but only time will tell. Interestingly, rumours are also circulating about a potential second link-up with Travis Scott.

Read More: Beyonce To Be Honored With An Innovator Award From iHeartRadio

Beyonce is Ready for Her Second RENAISSANCE Act

 
 
 
 
 
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Of course, singles “16 CARRIAGES” and “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” will appear too, with new songs like “TYRANT,” ” LEVII’S JEANS,” and “II HANDS II HEAVEN,” just to name a few. The use of double II’s throughout appears to be a nod to this being the second part of Queen B’s trifecta. Keep scrolling to see the full COWBOY CARTER tracklist, and let us know who you think Beyonce’s most noteworthy collaborators will be in the comments. For more music and pop culture news updates, make sure to check back in with HNHH later.

Read More: “COWBOY CARTER” Limited Edition Vinyl Shows Beyonce’s Curves In Just A Mysterious Sash

COWBOY CARTER Tracklist (Not in Order)

 
 
 
 
 
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  • AMERICAN REQUIEM
  • BLACKBIRD
  • 16 CARRIAGES
  • PROTECTOR
  • MY ROSE
  • SMOKE HOUR WILLIE NELSON
  • TEXAS HOLD ‘EM
  • BODYGUARD
  • DOLLY P
  • JOLENE
  • DAUGHTER
  • SPAGHETTI
  • ALLIGATOR TEARS
  • SMOKE HOUR II
  • JUST FOR FUN
  • II MOST WANTED
  • LEVII’S JEANS
  • FLAMENCO
  • THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW
  • YA YA
  • OH LOUISIANA
  • DESERT EAGLE
  • RIVERDANCE
  • II HANDS II HEAVEN
  • TYRANT
  • SWEET HONEY BUCKIN’
  • AMEN

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Will Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Album Have A ‘Jolene’ Cover?

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Beyoncé obsessives have been frantically searching for any information they can find on the star’s new album Cowboy Carter. From fan theories about the title to demands for country radio to put her single “Texas Hold ‘Em” into rotation, the BeyHive has gone into overdrive to support the queen in recent weeks. All that searching has led many of them to a tracklist that appears to have come from her website which seems to confirm that Beyoncé really did cover Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” for the album.

Unfortunately for those fans, that tracklist is a phony. For reference, you can check it out below, and compare it to Beyoncé’s actual website:

So, does this mean Beyoncé’s album won’t have a “Jolene” cover as rumored? Well, it’s hard to say. According to Dolly herself, Beyoncé apparently did record a cover of her biggest hit, and if such a cover were to be released anywhere, Beyoncé’s upcoming country album would be as good a place as any. However, Dolly also acknowledged a reality of the recording industry: not every song recorded makes the album. Just look at Prince’s expansive vault of unreleased tracks.

Besides, Beyoncé’s whole thing with this current run of albums is reclaiming the history of Black influence on country music. Not to demean the illustrious Ms. Parton but well… she’s not exactly a Dahomey warrior, y’know? Anyway, we’ll find out at some point whether the rumor is true or not. Cowboy Carter is due on March 29 via Parkwood and Columbia.

Dolly Parton Suggests Beyonce Recorded A “Jolene” Cover For “ACT II” Country Album

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Beyonce’s ACT II album, a country venture, is almost upon us, and fans couldn’t be more excited about it. While we’ve only gotten two singles for the release and not a lot of build-up, it’s not like she needs much of a promo boost to absolutely dominate and take over pop culture for some time. Also, the Houston superstar has the added bonus of RENAISSANCE, in all its forms, that has led up to this moment. As such, a lot of folks are already theorizing as to what ACT II and beyond will hold, including the one and only Dolly Parton. During a recent interview with Knox News, she hinted that there’s a rumor and a possibility that Queen Bey will tackle a classic on this new LP.

“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,” Dolly Parton remarked to the publication, adding some more love for Beyoncé in the process. “I love her! She’s a beautiful girl and a great singer.” As the “Freedom” creative continues to shatter commercial records and build success with seemingly everything she touches, it’s no surprise that she would also want to pay homage to an incredibly beloved cut.

Read More: Dolly Parton Extends Congratulations To Beyoncé For Historic Billboard No. 1 Country Song

Dolly Parton Reignites Rumor About Beyonce Covering “Jolene” On ACT II

 
 
 
 
 
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Actually, this “Jolene” rumor is one that other folks like Joe Budden have spoke on before. Specifically, he did so while offering a sincere message to the 42-year-old. “I want to apologize to Beyonce,” he remarked on his podcast. “I like that song [“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”], I like the other song too, but I like that song a lot.

“And let me tell you something, let me be totally phony and get on the total opposite of everything I said the first time,” he continued. “If the rumors are true, if Beyoncé is covering that Dolly Parton song, if that little rumor is true… ’Cause Dolly just tweeted yesterday and that tweet ain’t out of nowhere. If Beyonce does that? Oh, my God. Get Mason Ramsey to open up!” Meanwhile, for more news on Dolly Parton and the latest Beyonce updates, stay up to date on HNHH.

Read More: 7 Times Beyoncé Put Her Texas, Country Roots Into Her Music

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Dolly Parton Says She’s ‘Honored’ And ‘Flattered’ That Lil Nas X Covered ‘Jolene’

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Lil Nas X likes to mix genres. Country, hip-hop, and pop have all intermingled in his hit songs. So his recent cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” shouldn’t come as a surprise. He delivered the cover of Parton’s 1973 song during an appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge last week, where he also performed “That’s What I Want,” “Dead Right Now,” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” off his new album, Montero.

After finally getting a chance to watch the performance, Parton had nothing but praise. “I was so excited when someone told me that Lil Nas X had done my song #Jolene,” she wrote. ” I had to find it and listen to it immediately…and it’s really good. Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I’m honored and flattered. I hope he does good for both of us. Thank you @LilNasX.”

Lil Nas caught wind of her comments and had a short yet excited reaction to it, writing, simply, “HOLY SH*T.” What’s more, Lil Nas currently has three songs simultaneously in the top 10 on the Billboard singles chart: “Industry Baby” at No. 2, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” at No. 9, and “That’s What I Want” at No. 10.