Providing us yet another reason to love him, Lil Nas X has delivered a beautiful cover of the iconic country ballad Jolene.
In a tweet that expressed her glowing approval, Dolly Parton says, “I was so excited when someone told me that Lil Nas X had done my song #Jolene.
“I had to find it and listen to it immediately… and it’s really good. Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I’m honored and flattered,” wrote Dolly.
Every iconic artist that has lasted the test of time has that one song that they’re known for. In Dolly Parton’s case, that song is Jolene. Being the ever gracious and humble queen of country that she is, Parton has celebrated the many artists that have covered her song including her goddaughter Miley Cyrus and the garage rock duo The White Stripes.
Although the original version of Jolene is steeped heavily in country melodies and Parton’s distinct Tennessean twang, Lil Nas stripped the song down and performed it for BBC1’s Live Lounge. Taking on a new vibe, Nas’ cover is more sombre with a feeling of despair. The beautiful thing about Jolene is that when sung by other artists, the heart of the song translates differently but still feels like a Dolly Parton song.
