Beyoncé paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country star’s death on Tuesday at 80. The two collaborated on Beyoncé’s 2024 groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter, which featured a reimagined version of Parton’s 1973 classic “Jolene.”
“Dolly, you were
the barometer. The north star,” Beyoncé posted on her website. “Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship.”
The singer also looked back at their time working together and celebrated Parton’s legacy. “I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever,” she continued. “Thank you for your profound impact on the world. 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.”
Along with the reworked cover of “Jolene” — which serves as a continuation to Lemonade‘s “Sorry” — Parton also made memorable cameos throughout Cowboy Carter.
Appearing on Track 9, Parton appears in “Dolly P” for the interlude right before “Jolene” to deliver her signature wit and sparkle. “Hey miss Honey B, it’s Dolly P. You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about?” Parton says on the track — a nod to Beyoncé’s 2016 song and the “Becky with the good hair” line. “Reminding me of someone I knew back when, except she has flaming locks of auburn hair, bless her heart. Just a hair of a different color but it hurts just the same.”
Parton also lends her voice later on the LP, declaring at the beginning of “Tyrant” (Track 25): “Cowboy Carter, time to strike a match and light up this juke joint!”
After Beyoncé made history by becoming the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in the modern history of country music with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Parton praised the LP before its release. “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album,” Parton wrote at the time. “So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”
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