Beyoncé Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton: ‘You Were the Barometer’
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Beyoncé has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music icon's death on 25 August, describing her in a statement on her website as "the barometer" and "the north star". She thanked Parton for her art, generosity, humour and entrepreneurship, calling her "truly one of one" and saying it had been an honour to work with her, an experience she said she would treasure forever.
The tribute reflects a close creative relationship between the two stars, built around Beyoncé's 2024 album "Cowboy Carter". The record featured a reworked cover of Parton's "Jolene", with altered lyrics turning the original's pleading tone into a more assertive warning, alongside two Parton cameos introducing the track "Tyrant" and delivering a spoken "Dolly P" interlude referencing Beyoncé's 2016 song "Sorry". Parton had publicly endorsed both the cover and Beyoncé's move into country music, praising "Jolene" on social media and congratulating her after "Texas Hold 'Em" made her the first Black woman to top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
- Beyoncé mourns Dolly Parton's death, calling her "the barometer"
- Parton featured on Beyoncé's 2024 "Cowboy Carter" album, including "Jolene" cover
- Parton had publicly praised Beyoncé's country music crossover
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Beyoncé is one of the biggest names in pop and R&B, while Dolly Parton was a country music legend, songwriter and businesswoman known for hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5" over a career spanning six decades. Parton died on 25 August, prompting tributes from across the music industry.
The two artists had a direct connection through Beyoncé's 2024 album "Cowboy Carter," which saw her move into country music. The album included a reimagined version of Parton's "Jolene" and two spoken contributions from Parton herself, and Parton had previously spoken warmly about Beyoncé's foray into the genre.
Beyoncé's tribute reflects that working relationship and Parton's broader standing as a figure many musicians looked up to, describing her as an inspiration and a benchmark for artists starting out.
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