Beyoncé has paid tribute to country icon Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, calling her “the barometer” and thanking her for the impact she had on the world.
In a statement posted to her website, Beyoncé wrote, “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Beyoncé had worked with Parton and recorded a reworked cover of “Jolene” for her 2024 album “Cowboy Carter,” altering the original’s lyrics and song structure. Where Parton begged and pleaded a woman not to steal her man on the original “Jolene,” Beyoncé transformed the tune into a warning shot: “I can easily understand why you’re attracted to my man / But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot for someone else,” she sang.
Parton had hinted weeks before “Cowboy Carter” that Beyoncé had recorded her own version of “Jolene,” and following the album’s release, Parton took to social media to give the cover a stamp of approval. “Wow, I just heard Jolene,” she wrote on social media. “Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!”
Parton’s participation in “Cowboy Carter” didn’t end there, as she appeared on the album with two cameos. She introduced the song “Tyrant” and had her own “Dolly P” interlude just before “Jolene.” “Hey miss Honey B, it’s Dolly P. You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about?” she said on “Dolly P,” referencing Beyoncé’s 2016 song “Sorry” and the line “Becky with the good hair.” “Reminding me of someone I knew back when, except she has flaming locks of auburn hair, bless her heart. Just a hair of a different color but it hurts just the same.”
She had previously supported Beyoncé recording a country album on social media, shortly after the pop star became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart when “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted at No. 1. “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album,” she wrote. “So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”
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