Bad Wolves have unveiled a poignant rendition of Dolly Parton’s timeless classic “Jolene,” featuring the late artist’s original vocals in this heartfelt tribute.
Initially, the band had been crafting a cover of the iconic song with hopes of collaborating directly with Parton before her passing. Following her death, they released a version as a tribute, but with assistance from Parton’s team, they have now finalized the track, incorporating her previously recorded vocals, mixed by Kent Wells. The song’s release comes just two days after the broadcast of CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, an event recognizing the legendary singer’s immense contributions to music.
Collaboration with Parton’s Estate
The new version of “Jolene” has received the endorsement of the Dolly Parton estate. Like their earlier rendition, Bad Wolves will donate proceeds from the sales to Parton’s renowned Imagination Library Program, which promotes childhood literacy. In alignment with Parton’s commitment to helping children, the band also invited students from Nashville’s School of Rock to participate in the music video for the track.
Allen Kovac, chairman of Better Noise Music, praised the collaboration, stating that Bad Wolves and the School of Rock delivered a passionate performance that encapsulates the spirit of Parton’s philanthropy. He highlighted her proactive approach towards addressing literacy, underscoring the urgency for contemporary artists to leverage their platforms for meaningful causes.
Acknowledgment of Challenges
The journey to release “Jolene” was not without its challenges. Earlier this year, guitarist AJ Rebollo departed from the band, originally expressing concerns that the cover was being pushed by their label without considering the band’s sentiments. However, he later retracted his statements, acknowledging that the band had collectively agreed on the release with approval from Parton’s team. Despite his exit, he expressed regret for diverting attention from the goodwill the song aimed to convey.
As fans eagerly stream the new version of “Jolene,” Bad Wolves continue to honor Dolly Parton’s legacy while supporting her lifelong commitment to education and literacy.