Joy Behar recently shared her thoughts on the different versions of the classic song 'Jolene' by Dolly Parton and Beyoncé. During a podcast episode of The View’s 'Behind the Table,' Behar expressed her preference for Beyoncé's take on the song, citing the original lyrics of Dolly Parton as 'anti-feminist.' She highlighted Beyoncé's more assertive approach in the lyrics, stating that if someone can easily take her man, they are welcome to do so.
However, Behar later praised Dolly Parton as a feminist icon and acknowledged her as 'the best.' Beyoncé covered 'Jolene' on her Cowboy Carter album, released on March 29, with significant changes to the original lyrics. Fans noted the shift in tone, with Beyoncé's version taking a more warning stance compared to Parton's pleading lyrics.
Despite the alterations, Dolly Parton endorsed Beyoncé's cover and even provided a spoken-word intro for the song on Cowboy Carter. Parton playfully referenced Beyoncé's song 'Sorry,' mentioning 'Becky with the good hair,' a line from the track that has sparked speculation among fans for years.
While some critics questioned Beyoncé's foray into country music with the album, Dolly Parton fully supported her. Parton highlighted Beyoncé's Texas roots and success with the lead single 'Texas Hold ‘Em' from Cowboy Carter, emphasizing that good music transcends genres.
Parton's endorsement of Beyoncé's cover further solidifies the song's popularity, with Beyoncé's version of 'Jolene' topping charts worldwide. The collaboration between these two iconic artists has sparked discussions among fans and music enthusiasts, showcasing the power of reinterpretation and artistic expression in the music industry.
