Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter sparked a wide range of reactions from both critics and fans, largely due to her significant lyrical changes and departure from the original’s tone.
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Critics’ reactions were mixed. Many acknowledged the artistic choice behind the changes, particularly in the context of Cowboy Carter‘s broader themes of reclaiming country music and Black women’s experiences within it. However, a common critique was that by removing the vulnerability and plea for mercy that defined Dolly Parton’s original, Beyoncé’s version lost some of the song’s unique power.
Fan reaction
Many Beyoncé fans, especially Black women, resonated with Beyoncé’s empowered take on the song, seeing it as a strong message of self-worth and loyalty within a relationship. They appreciated the shift from pleading to a defiant warning.
Other fans, particularly those deeply attached to the original, felt the lyrical changes fundamentally altered the song’s essence. Some found it less relatable or even “uncomfortable and low key misogynistic” in its portrayal of “other women.”
Dolly’s reaction
Parton, the original songwriter and performer of “Jolene,” has been very gracious and supportive of Beyoncé’s version. She publicly stated she was “honored” that Beyoncé covered the song and expressed her love for Beyoncé’s “bold” and “completely different take.”
“I’m a huge fan of hers — I mean, who’s not? Everybody loves her,” Parton said speaking recently to People Magazine. “I think she’s a magnificent artist, beautiful and the dancing in addition to the singing.”
Parton acknowledged the shift in narrative, saying, “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!’”
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