Dolly Parton lets slip that Beyoncé might've recorded a cover of "Jolene"

Beyoncé recently revealed, during the 2024 Super Bowl, that she was going to be releasing the follow-up to Renaissance. More importantly, she dropped two country-leaning songs – "16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” – and sparked up controversy around the discrimination of not being played on country radio in the US. Of course, once her fans had their way, Beyoncé then made history as first Black woman to top US country charts.

Speaking to Knox News about Beyoncé's foray into the world of country, Parton shared her approval, and appeared to let slip that she's given Beyoncé clearance to delve in to her own back catalogue.

"A lot of people don't realize Beyonce is a country girl. She's from Texas,” Parton said. “I think we belong wherever we can do good, and her song is number one across every chart in the whole world, I think. So, I mean, who can argue with that?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

Parton also shared that she has always wanted Beyoncé to cover "Jolene", and thinks that dream may just be coming true. “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," she said, revealing that they've been in contact in the past.

“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." Parton also shared a message of congratulations when Beyoncé topped the country charts: “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.”