In 2022, during an appearance on 'The Daily Show With Trevor Noah,' Dolly Parton expressed her desire for none other than superstar Beyoncé to cover her timeless 1973 hit "Jolene," hoping for a transformation akin to what Whitney Houston achieved with "I Will Always Love You" in 1992.

Beyoncé
Beyoncé accepts Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for “Renaissance” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/Emma McIntyre

Parton's wish was granted, and the country music legend's dreams came true.

While some fans may have initially struggled to envision the potential, the release of Beyoncé's rendition on the groundbreaking country album 'Cowboy Carter' in March ignited widespread enthusiasm, with audiences worldwide embracing her take on the classic tune.

The revamped rendition has made an impressive entrance onto the Billboard Hot 100 charts, claiming the No. 7 spot. This achievement marks the highest position reached by any iteration of "Jolene" in the half-century since its original release, as per 'Forbes.' The performance of Beyoncé's cover has lived up to Parton's expectations.

Dolly Parton
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 03: Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. David Becker/Getty Images

Unlike Whitney Houston's rendition, Beyoncé opted to alter the lyrics, resulting in her being credited as a songwriter and reshaping the narrative of the song. Instead of portraying a woman pleading for her partner's fidelity, the revised lyrics now serve as a cautionary tale, warning potential rivals of the consequences if they attempt to intervene in her relationship.

In an interview with E! News, Parton expressed her admiration for the platinum-singer's innovative approach to the song, indicating her approval of the lyrical and narrative changes.

"Well, I think that was very bold of her. When they said she was gonna do 'Jolene,' I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn't. But I love what she did to it," Dolly shared.

She continued, "And as a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them."

63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards – Telecast
Beyoncé accepts the Best R&B Performance award for 'Black Parade' in March of 2021 looking absolutely FLAWLESS in her leather dress! (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

"She wasn't gonna go beg some other woman like I did," Parton added. " 'Don't steal my man ... You ain't stealin' mine.' "

Tags
Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Country music, Whitney Houston, Music Industry