The anticipation among country music enthusiasts is as electrifying as the BeyHive’s, eagerly awaiting what unfolds in Beyoncé’s ‘Act II’. Talk about ambitious crossovers! Country music fans might just be in for the collaboration of the year between Dolly Parton and Beyoncé for their upcoming album. In a recent interview with Knox News, the 78-year-old Parton revealed that the 42-year-old singer has recorded a cover of her iconic 1973 single, “Jolene”.

When asked about rumors that Beyoncé will cover one of her songs for her upcoming Act II album, the sequel to her Grammy-winning Renaissance album, Parton replied, “Well, I think she did! I think she recorded ‘Jolene’ and I think it might be on her country album, and I’m very excited about that.”

“I love her!” Beyoncé’s addition to the country music icon’s roster is met with delight. “She’s a beautiful girl and a wonderful singer. We’ve been exchanging messages for many years. She and her mom are like fans, and I’m always touched because they’re fans too, and I always think she’s wonderful.”

Given that Parton noted nothing is certain, fans will have to wait until the release date of Act II on March 29th to see if this country dream becomes a reality.

However, it would be truly amazing to see one music queen express respect for another, especially after Parton sent congratulations and well-wishes to Beyoncé as she made history with her latest breakthrough in the genre. Last month, Billboard announced that the Renaissance singer became the first black artist to top the Hot Country Songs chart with her single “Texas Hold ‘Em”, another track of hers, “16 Carriages”, also landed in the Top 10 at No. 9.

The number 1 spot also gave Beyoncé the sole seventh position across Billboard’s diverse song charts as a solo artist: Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, Hot Gospel Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot R&B Songs, and Appealing R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Only Justin Bieber has more, at 8.

Parton shared in a statement at the time: “I’m a huge fan of Beyoncé and am thrilled she’s doing a country music album. So, congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country chart-topping single. Can’t wait to hear the whole album!”

Parton reiterates her praise when speaking to Knox News, welcoming the Houston-born musician at a time when she faced backlash for tapping into her country roots as she was traditionally seen as an R&B/Pop artist.

“Many people don’t realize Beyoncé is a country girl. She’s from Texas. I think we belong wherever we can do well, and I think her songs top every chart worldwide. So, what I mean is, who can argue with that?”

Indeed, Beyoncé’s new songs are a long time coming for her debut in country music. In her 2016 masterpiece, Lemonade, the singer delved into her homeland with “Daddy Lessons”, a song she later performed with The Chicks at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards.

While Beyoncé’s first Renaissance album aimed to honor house and disco music, it’s clear that Act II – the second installment in the trilogy planned since the 2022 Renaissance era – will bring a touch of cowboy hats to country music.

Fans can experience the full Renaissance: Act II when it drops on March 29th.