Dolly Parton has had her incredible catalog covered a thousand ways over the years, and that includes her immortal 1973 hit, “Jolene.” But you’ve probably never heard it like this before.
The long-reigning Queen of Country has given the thumbs up to a blood-pumping electronic dance remix created by influential DJ, DESTRUCTO, and it puts off all the heat of some true dance-floor fire.
Featuring thumping beats and a hypnotic pulse, throbbing like a heartbeat throughout the track, the new version still features Parton’s angelic vocal and that unforgettable acoustic guitar melody. But what was originally a pleading request for romantic mercy is now a trance-inducing force of nature. DESTRUCTO throws a few tastefully placed bass drops in the middle and stretches the song out over five sweltering-hot minutes, and what makes it even more unique is that this remix has Parton’s official blessing. That’s a rarity.
“My little song ‘Jolene’ has been done so many different ways and I love them all, but I think this one is my favorite,” she says. “It makes me want to dance! How about you!?”
“’Jolene’ has been part of my musical DNA since day one. It is a true classic not only for country music but American music. I’ve always felt its lyrics and melody could be the bones to build a real dance floor banger around. Something to sing along to while getting your dance on,” adds DESTRUCTO (the stage name of artist Gary Richards). “I’m beyond thrilled being given the opportunity to remix one of the greatest songs of all time and that Dolly loves it. She is a national treasure and to be able to have the world hear my version of it with her behind it is a blessing.”
This new “Jolene” remix might be one of the most striking of Parton’s long career, but it’s far from alone — even in recent months. Hip hop star Lil Nas X (of “Old Town Road” fame) recently covered the track during a live appearance on BBC 1 radio, and Parton herself got involved in another big remix. The country icon helped her fellow superstar Reba McEntire reimagine the fan favorite “Does He Love You?” for a special triple album package, marking the first time the two legends have shared a track.
