The late Dolly Parton, hailed as the "Queen of Country," also had some rap skills.
BET shared a rare moment of the singer dropping bars on the network's former music countdown show "106 & Park" during the press tour for the 2012 film "Joyful Noise" alongside her co-star Queen Latifah.
While on stage with hosts Terrence J and Rocsi Diaz, Latifah, who is regarded as a respected emcee in hip-hop with hits like "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ladies First," beatboxed while Parton kicked off her freestyle.
"Queen Latifah, she the queen of hip-hop and up on the movie screen. She the queen of her own hood, but I'm the queen of Dollywood," Parton spit. "Now I don't hip, and I don't hop, I'll black both eyes with this big top. I know the queen got them too, but she don't work
them like I do."
Parton continued with a section she deemed as her favorite: "I know your gang is mean, but let me warn you, queen, don't mess with me because I'll be right on top of you. I know your gang is rough, but you never seen tough until you mess with the redneck mafia."
The footage was posted in light of the music icon's death after a brief battle with cancer, which was announced on Tuesday, Aug. 25. She was 80 years old.
Parton's support of Black artists and the hip-hop community throughout the years
In their tribute post, BET reflected on Parton's cultural reach.
"Her songs crossed genres, generations and cultures, including inspiring and being recorded by some of the biggest names in Black music," the post stated.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter opened up about her appreciation for collaborating with Parton, who is featured on her country album, "Cowboy Carter." On the 2024 project, Beyoncé added her own twist to Parton's hit single "Jolene." The Houston musician also worked with Parton on the high-energy track "Tyrant."
"I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I'm honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world," Beyoncé wrote in a heartfelt post. "You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully."
Parton's music has been sampled for hip-hop records like the top-charting "Ghetto Superstar (That Is What You Are)" by Pras featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard and Mya. The record interpolated Parton and Kenny Rogers' "Islands in the Stream." Capone-N-Noreaga also drew inspiration from the same song, adding an NYC flair to their 2000 track "Full Steezy."
Since the news of her death, stories about how Parton has supported hip-hop stars over the years have resurfaced.
After Memphis' own Three 6 Mafia took home the Oscar in the best original song category, Parton sent them a congratulatory letter, according to member DJ Paul per The Hollywood Reporter. "We’re proud of you guys, and I’m just glad that the Oscar came back to Tennessee one way or another," Parton reportedly wrote.
The group's record "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," from the movie "Hustle & Flow," was up against Parton's "Travelin' Thru" from "Transamerica" as well as other tracks.
In an X post, rap giant Eminem shared a letter he received from Parton after he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and how it impacted him. The "Lose Yourself" artist said they "never got a chance to meet," but called her an "icon" and "superstar in every sense."
"Even though I don't know a lot about rap music, I've come to know that you are the very best at it. Aside from that I hope what I say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow," Parton's letter reads. "I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate 'em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we'll meet."
She added words of encouragement: "In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be, just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don't even know."
Parton also rapped on Queen Latifah's talk show
"106 and Park" was not the only time Parton took on a rap challenge. In 2013, she appeared on "The Queen Latifah Show" and performed a different rendition of the freestyle in front of the studio audience.
"I'm working. I'm twerking. Hey Miley, I got your wrecking balls right here," she said, referencing her goddaughter's 2013 hit "Wrecking Ball."
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolly Parton had rap skills. A look at moments she flexed her bars
