Belles Teams Up with Dolly Parton for ‘Sons of Jolene’

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man.” One of the most famous lyrics from one of the most iconic songs by Dolly Parton. Over the years, we’ve heard countless covers and renditions of the song, including Beyoncé’s version on Cowboy Carter.

Now, there’s a new modern twist on the classic tune. Country music artist Belles released her new single “Son of Jolene,” featuring the one and only Dolly Parton. The single marks a pivotal moment for Belles as she embarks on the release of her debut album.

Belles pens “Son of Jolene” as a clever, character-driven continuation of the classic story, imagining a chance encounter years later with Jolene’s son. It blends storytelling with a modern country edge, while honoring the spirit of the original track, mixed with a fresh perspective.

As it turns out, the song’s origin story is just as charming as the track itself. According to People magazine, the idea sparked during Belles’ headlining tour, when the mother of her opening act,  named Jolene, came to a show. The encounter got Belles thinking, and the next day on the road, she floated the concept to her opener: what if someone wrote a song about being the son of Jolene? He passed on the idea, but gave her the green light to run with it herself, and she did. Belles reimagines the original song’s iconic chorus and builds her own narrative around it, telling the story of a young woman who falls for a man just as charming and troublesome as his mother.

“I grew up inspired by Dolly and the worlds she created through her songs,” says Belles. “Having her lend her voice to this record is beyond anything I could have imagined. It feels like a full-circle moment and a true honor.”

After Dolly heard the track, she immediately connected with its concept and recognized it as a natural creative fit. Her enthusiasm ultimately brought the collaboration to life, bridging generations through a shared commitment to great storytelling.

“When I heard ‘Son of Jolene,’ I thought it was very clever. No one had ever thought of it that way,” says Dolly.

This summer, you can catch Belles on tour with Songs & Stories, bringing intimate, story-driven performances to cities across the US. Get your tickets today.

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