Beyoncé has the queer internet in a country chokehold with her latest singles, “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages” but hold onto your sequined cowboy hats because there’s much more to come. Country music legend Dolly Parton recently revealed Queen Bey might be recording a cover of her iconic (and famously queer) anthem, “Jolene” for her upcoming album Act II.
“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,” Parton told the Knoxville News Sentinel at an event for her Dollywood theme park. “I love her! She’s a beautiful girl and a great singer.”
“We’ve kind of sent messages back and forth through the years,” she continued. “And she and her mother were like fans, and I was always touched that they were fans, and I always thought she was great.”
But before we all get too excited, we should hold our proverbial horses. The possible cover is not officially confirmed, as Parton was quick to clarify to Knox News that she only “heard” and “hopes” that Beyoncé recorded the song. Was this a case of Parton letting news slip before Beyoncé officially gave the green light, or is it a genuine rumor? What we do know is that the country singles Beyoncé has already put out have both already charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, with “Texas Hold ’Em” making her the first Black woman in history to land the top spot.
We also know that both Parton and Beyoncé have both fiercely advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in the past, and that country aesthetics are incredibly queer-coded, so if Bey is indeed covering “Jolene,” expect it to be the crowning jewel of any queer DJ’s set this summer (and possibly forever).
Act II will be a follow-up to Beyoncé’s groundbreaking Renaissance album, which paid homage to the singer’s gay uncle and the Black queer history of house music. The album is set to drop on March 29, 2024, so make sure to get your country gear ready ahead of time, as the yee-haw agenda is sure to be in full swing soon.
Get the best of what’s queer. Sign up for Them’s weekly newsletter here.