2025-06-01T16:20:00Z

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Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, has finally opened up about her feelings regarding Beyoncé’s unexpected interpretation of her classic song 'Jolene.' Known for her profound impact on the music industry, Parton has expressed her admiration for Beyoncé’s bold take on her 1973 hit, which has continued to resonate with fans for decades.

The 79-year-old singer-songwriter, whose original song has become a cultural touchstone, was intrigued when Beyoncé released her version in 2024 as part of the album 'Cowboy Carter.' This modern rendition, however, diverges significantly from the original in both sound and lyrical content, transforming the heartfelt plea of the 1973 track into a powerful statement of self-assertion.

In the original 'Jolene,' Parton famously sings, “I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man,” conveying a deep sense of vulnerability and desperation. In contrast, Beyoncé’s version delivers a more assertive message with the line, “I’m warning you, don’t come for my man,” which emphasizes a protective stance over a romantic partner.

During an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Parton expressed her admiration for Beyoncé, stating, “I’m a huge fan of hers — I mean, who's not? Everybody loves her. I think she's a magnificent artist, beautiful, and the dancing in addition to the singing is just incredible.” Her praise reflects a mutual respect among artists in the music industry, highlighting the collaborative spirit that often exists between generations of musicians.

Parton further acknowledged the strength of the album 'Cowboy Carter,' referring to it as a “really, really good album,” which showcases Beyoncé's versatile artistry. The Grammy-winning singer also shared her thoughts on the notable changes made in the lyrics of 'Jolene.' She quipped, “I was just honored that she, of course, did a completely different take on ‘Jolene’ than my version of it. Hers was more like, ‘Well, you're not getting him, you're not taking him, you're going to go through me to get him.’ Mine was more like, ‘Please don't take him!’ So, I loved her interpretation.”

This sentiment reflects a broader theme among songwriters, where the reinterpretation of their work by other artists can lead to new understandings and dynamics. “As a writer, you like to hear how different people interpret your songs, and how they put their own spin and do their own take on it,” Parton explained, showcasing her appreciation for creativity and artistic freedom in music. She concluded her thoughts with a heartfelt wish for Beyoncé’s ongoing success, stating, “I hope her tour does great, and I'm sure it will. People seem to be loving it.”