2024 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for country music, with speculations of a music collaboration between two queens, Beyoncé and Dolly Parton. And we dare say that if this were to be true, it’d be the genre’s most iconic moment of the year – and it would be remembered for years to come.
Dolly Parton first appeared on the country charts in 1967; ever since then, success has become synonymous with her name. Her influence transcended multiple generations, a fact acknowledged by Time magazine, which listed her as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2021. As Miley Cyrus wrote, “Have you ever met anyone who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? I never have.”
And we all know Beyoncé, too. She started with Destiny’s Child, and in 2003, she launched a successful solo career with Dangerously In Love. Throughout her career, she fearlessly embraced diversity, blending genres and experimenting with different sounds. Renaissance showcased that versatility, and its highly-anticipated sequel, Act II, is set to challenge expectations once again as she explores and experiments even more.
A Royal Music Mash-up
There have been rumors circling that the Queen of Country would be featured in Beyoncé’s forthcoming album, Act II, the follow-up to Renaissance, introduced with her two country songs, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” Either that or Queen Bey would revive the legendary country singer’s 1973 hit “Jolene.”
In an interview with Knox News for the 2024 season opening of Dollywood, Parton shared that she thinks Beyoncé did record her classic hit for her country album and is very excited about it. She said, “I love her! She’s a beautiful girl and a great singer.” But she was careful not to make any confirmations. What she did say was that she had always wanted the singer to cover it.
Parton also revealed that the two of them have kept in contact, sending messages back and forth over the years, with the 32-time Grammy winner saying she and her mom were fans of hers. And she was touched that they were.
Foraying Into Country Music
With the release of her two lead singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” off her album Act II (which she announced during the 2024 Super Bowl), Beyoncé dominated the Billboard charts, with the former song hitting number one on the Hot Country Songs chart as well as the Hot 100 and topping the Global 200 with over 60 million streams – and immediately went viral on TikTok.
Her second single didn’t make as much noise but still made it to the Hot Country list at number 9.
Queen Bey’s success wasn’t just big; it was phenomenal. She became the first Black woman to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Unfortunately, this achievement was clouded with criticisms, and country music stations were hesitant to play her songs as she’s traditionally a pop/R&B artist. (But if you’ve been listening to her songs, this wasn’t actually her first. It was “Daddy Lessons” from her album Lemonade.)
Through it all, Parton stood by her and welcomed her into the genre with open arms. After all, she was no stranger to crossing genres. In an Instagram post, she congratulated the singer on her historic number-one and expressed her excitement for the entire album. She also mentioned how people don’t realize Beyoncé is from Texas and is indeed a country girl.
Act II: Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé is set to drop the second installment, Act II, aka Cowboy Carter, of her three-act project on March 29.
With the success of the first installment, Renaissance, debuting at number one, wrapping up with an earning of $579 million in the tour, and its film becoming a number-one box office hit, everyone’s highly anticipating this album. And if there would really be a “Jolene” cover on the album, that might just seal the deal.
