Dolly Parton Posthumously Featured on Bad Wolves' 'Jolene' Cover

Rock band Bad Wolves have officially completed and released their rendition of Dolly Parton’s iconic song "Jolene," this time incorporating the late country legend’s own vocals. This milestone follows the initial release of the cover, which was shared shortly after Parton’s passing as a tribute but did not include her voice.

The band had been developing their take on "Jolene" with the hope of collaborating directly with Dolly Parton, sending her and her team the track prior to her death. After her passing, they chose to honor her legacy by releasing their version of the song independently. Subsequently, with the support and blessing of Parton’s estate and access to previously recorded vocal stems, Bad Wolves were able to integrate her original vocals into the final mix. The production was overseen by Kent Wells, who worked on crafting this unique fusion.

This new version arrives shortly after the widely viewed televised event "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," which aired on ABC and Disney+. That program gathered numerous artists paying homage to Parton’s enduring impact on music and culture. Similarly, Bad Wolves’ release complements this wave of commemorations by offering a new interpretation that directly features Parton herself.

In keeping with Dolly Parton’s long-standing dedication to charitable causes, particularly her Imagination Library program aimed at promoting childhood literacy, the band has pledged to donate all proceeds from the track’s sales to this foundation. This initiative reflects Parton’s personal commitment to education and access to books for children worldwide.

Further extending the spirit of community and youth empowerment, Bad Wolves collaborated with students from Nashville’s School of Rock to appear in the music video for the song. The involvement of these young musicians underscores the connection between Parton’s advocacy for education and the nurturing of new musical talent. Representatives from the school expressed pride in honoring Parton’s legacy and supporting an educational cause she championed.

The project did experience internal friction during its early stages. Guitarist AJ Rebollo departed from Bad Wolves amid controversy surrounding the release of the original "Jolene" cover, initially criticizing the decision as driven by external pressure rather than the band’s collective will. However, Rebollo later retracted some of his earlier statements after learning that the band and Dolly Parton's team had officially approved the release. Despite this clarification, he maintained his decision to leave the group.

Available now across multiple major streaming platforms, the enhanced version of "Jolene" featuring Dolly Parton’s vocals represents a rare posthumous collaboration bridging country and rock genres. It stands as a testament to her timeless influence and the mutual respect between artists across musical boundaries.

By intertwining Parton’s original voice with their interpretation, Bad Wolves have created a meaningful tribute that not only celebrates her artistic legacy but also actively supports her philanthropic endeavors. This release highlights how contemporary musicians continue to honor and sustain the cultural contributions of iconic figures through innovative collaborations and charitable engagement.