### Dolly Parton and Kelli Belles Collaborate on a Modern Twist of “Jolene”
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In an exciting new project, Kelli Belles has teamed up with country music icon Dolly Parton to reinterpret one of the genre’s most beloved hits. The result is a fresh rendition titled “Son of Jolene,” which offers a unique perspective on the classic tale originally told in “Jolene.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Belles expressed her disbelief at the opportunity to work with Parton. “When I wrote this song, I never in a million years thought it would go all the way to Dolly,” she said. “I couldn’t be more grateful.” Her excitement reflects the magnitude of teaming up with a legend, particularly on a song that revisits such an iconic narrative.
Parton, now 80, praised Belles’ innovative approach to the classic story. “When I heard ‘Son of Jolene,’ I thought it was very clever. No one had ever thought of it that way,” she shared. Their collaboration not only brings new life to the original tale but also signifies a generational connection between two powerful voices in country music.
The idea for “Son of Jolene” was born during a chance encounter Belles had while on tour last year. After meeting the mother of her opening act, who shares the name Jolene, she felt inspired to imagine the story from a new angle. “You should write a song about being the son of Jolene,” she suggested to her tour mate. Although he thought it wasn’t quite his style, Belles seized the idea and ran with it.
In creating the song, she drew from the original’s memorable chorus while weaving in her own narrative. The result is an evocative tale of a young woman falling in love with the son of the infamous Jolene, encapsulating the charm and trouble often associated with the name. “When you’re talking about Dolly and ‘Jolene’, it’s one of the most legendary songs of all time. My priority was to ensure that it was all done the right way,” Belles explained.
To make sure Parton was aware of her project, Belles enlisted the help of her publisher, who passed the track to Kent Wells, Parton’s producer. “He loved it and said, ‘Hey, I’m going to play this for Dolly.’ When she heard it, she did in fact love it and wanted to sing on it,” Belles recounted. The moment marked a significant milestone in her career.
In this collaboration, listeners can expect a blend of Belles and Parton’s powerful vocals, working together seamlessly. This partnership not only highlights Belles’ emerging talent but also celebrates a shared lineage in country music, bridging their distinct yet complementary styles.
Parton expressed her pride in the collaboration, stating, “What a twist, and I’m proud to now be a small part of this version.” Belles echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the honour it was to work with Parton, saying, “I’m very honoured that she really loved the songwriting. That was the highest compliment I could receive.”
As Belles prepares to release her upcoming album later this year, she has positioned “Son of Jolene” as a significant focal point. “I’ve been working really hard, and the album is very traditional in many ways but also modern,” she said. Belles aims to capture the essence of country storytelling that she grew up admiring, intending to bring it into a contemporary context.
“It’s like very traditional production with very modern lyrics. I honestly can’t think of a better way to kick it off than starting with a song with Dolly,” she affirmed. Her ambition lies in revitalising the narrative tradition of country music as she moves forward in her career.
“Son of Jolene” is currently available for pre-save on all major streaming platforms, and fans are eagerly anticipating the release of this collaborative effort. With both Belles and Parton contributing their artistry, the track promises to resonate with audiences old and new, maintaining the heart and soul of country music while looking toward the future.