American hard rock heavyweights BAD WOLVES have released an extraordinary new version of DOLLY PARTON’s legendary song ‘Jolene’, featuring the unmistakable voice of the late country music icon herself! Released on Friday 23 October 2026 through BETTER NOISE MUSIC, the recording combines crushing guitar riffs, powerful modern metal arrangements and previously recorded vocals from Parton, creating a posthumous collaboration that celebrates her incredible musical legacy. Even better, proceeds from the release will benefit DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY, helping provide free books to children around the world!
When country music meets heavy metal, you can expect something a little unusual.
But this latest collaboration between BAD WOLVES and DOLLY PARTON is something genuinely special. 🎸🖤🔥
The American metal band have unveiled a reworked version of their cover of Jolene, this time featuring Dolly’s own vocals alongside their new frontwoman, Sara ‘KILLBOY’ Skinner.
It’s an unlikely combination.
One of the most recognisable voices in country music history.
A modern metal band famous for thunderous guitar riffs and enormous choruses.
And a song that has remained popular for more than five decades.
But behind the unusual musical partnership is an emotional story involving a planned collaboration, Dolly’s death and a determination to honour her extraordinary legacy.
The project also has a charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting an organisation that has helped millions of children discover the joy of reading.
This isn’t simply another heavy metal cover of a classic song. It’s a musical tribute with a meaningful cause behind it.
🎸 BAD WOLVES And DOLLY PARTON – ‘JOLENE’ Officially Released!
The new recording arrived on Friday 23 October 2026 through Better Noise Music.
The track is titled Jolene (With Dolly Parton) and features the legendary singer’s previously recorded vocals incorporated into BAD WOLVES’ heavy metal interpretation.
The release was completed with the full support and approval of Dolly Parton’s estate.
Importantly, the vocals are genuine recordings of Dolly’s voice, rather than an artificial intelligence recreation.
Her longtime producer Kent Wells was responsible for mixing the existing recordings into the finished track.
The result brings together two very different musical styles while maintaining the instantly recognisable melody and emotional character of the original composition.
💿 ‘JOLENE’ – Release Information
Release information
Details
Artist
Bad Wolves featuring Dolly Parton
Song
Jolene (With Dolly Parton)
Release date
Friday 23 October 2026
Record label
Better Noise Music
Genre
Hard Rock / Alternative Metal
Lead vocalist
Sara ‘KILLBOY’ Skinner
Guest vocals
Dolly Parton
Dolly’s vocal production
Kent Wells
Original songwriter
Dolly Parton
Original song release
1973
Charity supported
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Official music video
Available now
The song is available through major streaming and digital music platforms.
And accompanying the release is a brand-new music video featuring young musicians from Nashville’s School of Rock.
🖤 DOLLY PARTON Was Originally Planning To Record With BAD WOLVES
One of the most emotional aspects of the project is that Dolly was aware of BAD WOLVES’ plans before her death.
The collaboration originally began after the band’s new vocalist, KILLBOY, demonstrated her admiration for the country music legend.
According to drummer and founding member John Boecklin, Skinner had previously shared videos of herself performing Jolene.
That enthusiasm inspired the band to develop a heavier interpretation of the song.
Rather than simply recording another conventional cover, the musicians wanted to transform the composition into something suited to their own musical identity.
They created a demo featuring their trademark heavy guitar arrangements and powerful rhythms.
The finished recording was subsequently shared with Better Noise Music.
The label’s chief executive, Dan Waite, then contacted Dolly’s manager, Danny Nozell, to explore the possibility of a collaboration.
What happened next was extraordinary.
Dolly listened to BAD WOLVES’ version and loved it!
According to the musicians, she was enthusiastic about adding her voice to the recording.
The band subsequently provided the necessary recording material to her studio team so the collaboration could proceed.
Unfortunately, the project was interrupted before Dolly could record the planned new vocal performance.
💔 DOLLY PARTON’s Death Changed The Project
The music world was devastated when Dolly Parton died on 25 August 2026, aged 80.
Her death brought an emotional end to one of the most extraordinary careers in country music history.
For BAD WOLVES, the news was particularly upsetting.
They had been preparing to collaborate with a musician who had personally expressed enthusiasm for their interpretation of her classic song.
Instead, the opportunity to record together disappeared.
The band decided to release their original cover as a tribute, making it available on 31 August 2026.
They also announced that proceeds would be donated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
But the story didn’t end there.
Following the initial release, representatives of Dolly’s estate worked with BAD WOLVES and Better Noise Music to explore whether her voice could still be included.
The solution involved using previously recorded vocal material.
With the assistance of producer Kent Wells, Dolly’s voice was incorporated into the band’s arrangement.
The finished version was then approved for release by her estate.
It means that although Dolly never recorded her planned new performance specifically for BAD WOLVES, her actual voice now appears alongside the band.
A collaboration that once seemed impossible has become a reality through the use of authentic archive recordings.
🎤 KILLBOY And DOLLY PARTON – Two Completely Different Voices, One Iconic Song!
The new recording features BAD WOLVES vocalist Sara ‘KILLBOY’ Skinner performing alongside Dolly’s vocals.
It’s a striking musical combination.
Dolly’s instantly recognisable country voice carries the emotional character associated with the original composition.
KILLBOY approaches the material with the intensity and contemporary sound of BAD WOLVES.
The arrangement includes heavy guitar riffs, driving percussion and a breakdown that introduces a distinctly modern metal atmosphere.
However, the song’s famous melody remains central to the recording.
That is particularly important.
Jolene has endured for more than five decades because of its remarkable simplicity and emotional honesty.
The song doesn’t need complicated arrangements to communicate its message.
Its story of jealousy, vulnerability and fear of losing someone you love remains universally relatable.
BAD WOLVES’ version attempts to amplify those emotions through a heavier musical approach.
Rather than abandoning the original composition, the band use it as the foundation for something different.
And the contrast between Dolly’s voice and KILLBOY’s performance creates one of the track’s most unusual features.
🎥 WATCH: BAD WOLVES Featuring DOLLY PARTON – ‘JOLENE’ Official Music Video!
Alongside the new single, BAD WOLVES have released an official music video featuring students from Nashville’s School of Rock.
The video celebrates the relationship between music, education and Dolly’s charitable legacy.
Young musicians appear alongside the band, bringing a new generation of performers into the project.
It’s a fitting addition to a song whose proceeds will help children access books and develop an early love of reading.
🎬 WATCH THE OFFICIAL ‘JOLENE’ MUSIC VIDEO – BAD WOLVES Featuring DOLLY PARTON
The video also highlights the importance of introducing young people to music and encouraging creativity.
And rather than concentrating exclusively on the sadness surrounding Dolly’s death, the production celebrates the positive impact she continues to have on future generations.
📚 Proceeds Will Support DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY!
Perhaps the most important part of the release is its charitable purpose.
Proceeds from Jolene (With Dolly Parton) will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The organisation was established in 1995 with the aim of helping children develop a love of reading from an early age.
Inspired by her father’s difficulties with literacy, Dolly created a programme that would provide books to young children at no cost to their families.
What began as a local initiative in Tennessee eventually expanded internationally.
Today, the organisation operates in several countries, including the United Kingdom.
❤️ What Does The Imagination Library Do?
The programme provides eligible registered children with an age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday.
Its aim is to encourage reading, support early childhood development and help families build their own collections of books.
Over the years, the organisation has achieved extraordinary results.
According to figures shared as part of the new BAD WOLVES release, the programme has:
- Distributed more than 300 million free books.
- Established partnerships across several countries.
- Supported children in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Ireland.
- Continued delivering more than three million books every month.
For BAD WOLVES, supporting the charity provides an opportunity to honour Dolly through something that mattered enormously to her.
And for fans, listening to the track offers a way to support a meaningful initiative.
🥁 JOHN BOECKLIN – “Being Able To Raise Money For Dolly’s Charity Is An Honour”
BAD WOLVES drummer John Boecklin has expressed his gratitude for everyone involved in bringing the collaboration together.
The musician praised the opportunity to support Dolly’s charity and work alongside young performers from Nashville.
He said:
“Being able to raise money for Dolly’s charity is an honor.”
Boecklin also described the experience of collaborating with the School of Rock students as particularly rewarding.
For a musician who has spent years performing heavy music around the world, the opportunity to support children’s education represents a different kind of achievement.
And it demonstrates how rock and metal musicians can use their platforms for positive causes.
The project isn’t simply about streaming figures or chart success.
It’s about supporting an organisation that continues to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
🎸 NASHVILLE SCHOOL OF ROCK Students Join The Celebration
Another important element of the project is the involvement of Nashville’s School of Rock.
The organisation provides performance-based music education, helping young people develop their musical skills, confidence and creativity.
For the Jolene music video, students were invited to participate alongside BAD WOLVES.
The collaboration allowed young musicians to contribute to a professional music production while supporting a charitable initiative.
Angie McCreight, owner of Nashville School of Rock, expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
She explained that Dolly had long been admired within the school for both her music and her commitment to education.
The students were particularly excited to take part in a tribute celebrating those achievements.
And the involvement of younger performers gives the video an additional layer of meaning.
After all, Dolly’s charitable work has always focused on creating opportunities for future generations.
Combining established rock musicians with aspiring young performers is a fitting way to celebrate that philosophy.
💀 BAD WOLVES Are No Strangers To Emotional Cover Versions
For longtime rock and metal fans, this latest collaboration will inevitably bring back memories of another important BAD WOLVES recording.
In 2018, the band achieved international success with their cover of Zombie, originally recorded by Irish rock legends THE CRANBERRIES.
The song became one of the most successful releases in BAD WOLVES’ career.
However, the circumstances surrounding its creation were also deeply emotional.
THE CRANBERRIES vocalist Dolores O’Riordan had agreed to contribute to the band’s recording.
Tragically, she died on 15 January 2018, before the planned session could take place.
BAD WOLVES subsequently released their version as a tribute.
The recording became an enormous commercial success, achieving multi-platinum certification in the United States.
The band also donated substantial proceeds to O’Riordan’s family.
Now, eight years later, BAD WOLVES have found themselves involved in another unusual situation.
They were preparing to collaborate with a legendary singer on a cover of one of her most recognisable songs.
That musician died before recording the planned contribution.
And the band decided to release the track as a tribute.
However, there is one important difference.
This time, previously recorded vocals from the original artist have been incorporated into the finished version.
It’s an extraordinary coincidence in the band’s history.
⚡ The Release Has Also Sparked Controversy
Although the new Jolene collaboration has received support from Dolly’s estate, the project has not been without controversy.
The decision to release BAD WOLVES’ original cover shortly after Dolly’s death prompted criticism from some listeners.
Questions were raised about whether releasing a tribute so soon after the loss of a beloved musician was appropriate.
The controversy also coincided with guitarist AJ Rebollo’s departure from BAD WOLVES.
Rebollo initially raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the release and alleged pressure to proceed with the recording.
He subsequently clarified aspects of his original comments.
The band and record label have maintained that the project was undertaken with the support of Dolly’s representatives.
The new version has also been explicitly approved by her estate.
Nevertheless, the discussion highlights a wider issue within the music industry.
When an artist dies, decisions about unfinished collaborations and posthumous recordings can become particularly sensitive.
Fans naturally want their favourite musicians’ legacies to be treated respectfully.
And even when a project is intended as a tribute, questions about timing, consent and presentation can arise.
In this case, the inclusion of genuine archive vocals, the estate’s approval and the commitment to charitable fundraising are central to how BAD WOLVES have chosen to complete the project.
🎶 ‘JOLENE’ – One Of The Greatest Songs In Country Music History
Before examining BAD WOLVES’ latest interpretation, it’s worth remembering why Jolene is such an extraordinary song.
Written by Dolly Parton, the recording was originally released as a single in 1973 before appearing on her 1974 album of the same name.
The song tells the story of a woman pleading with another woman not to take her partner away.
Its emotional vulnerability, unforgettable melody and repetitive chorus helped establish it as one of country music’s greatest compositions.
Unlike many songs about jealousy, Jolene doesn’t rely on anger or confrontation.
Instead, the narrator expresses fear, admiration and desperation.
That emotional complexity has helped the song remain relevant across generations.
It has also inspired numerous cover versions from artists working in completely different genres.
Rock musicians, pop singers, country performers and alternative artists have all explored their own interpretations.
The song’s adaptability is one of its greatest strengths.
And BAD WOLVES’ latest version demonstrates just how far its musical boundaries can be stretched.
🤘 Who Are BAD WOLVES?
BAD WOLVES emerged during the late 2010s, bringing together experienced musicians with backgrounds in metal, hardcore and alternative rock.
Founded by drummer John Boecklin, the band quickly developed a sound combining heavy guitar riffs, melodic choruses and modern production.
Their breakthrough arrived with the enormous success of Zombie in 2018.
The recording introduced the band to a worldwide audience and established them as a major new name in American hard rock.
Their debut album, Disobey, arrived that same year.
The group subsequently continued developing their sound through additional studio releases.
Their catalogue includes:
Album
Release year
Disobey
2018
N.A.T.I.O.N.
2019
Dear Monsters
2021
Die About It
2023
Throughout their career, BAD WOLVES have combined aggressive guitar-driven arrangements with accessible melodies.
Their music draws upon alternative metal, hard rock and metalcore influences.
The band have also developed a reputation for powerful live performances.
However, their career has included several significant lineup changes.
🎤 KILLBOY Brings A New Voice To BAD WOLVES In 2026
One of the biggest recent developments for BAD WOLVES has been the arrival of Sara ‘KILLBOY’ Skinner as their new lead vocalist.
Skinner joined the band in 2026, introducing a different musical identity to the group.
Her arrival followed the departure of previous vocalist Daniel ‘DL’ Laskiewicz, who went on to join FALLING IN REVERSE as bassist.
BAD WOLVES originally achieved success with singer Tommy Vext, who departed in 2021.
Those changes have created several distinct eras in the band’s history.
For the current lineup, KILLBOY represents an opportunity to explore new creative possibilities.
Her admiration for Dolly Parton was the original inspiration behind the Jolene project.
And the resulting collaboration demonstrates the group’s willingness to embrace influences beyond conventional metal.
The band’s recent single Paint It Red has also helped introduce their latest musical direction.
With further activity planned for 2027, BAD WOLVES appear determined to continue evolving.
🖤 Remembering DOLLY PARTON – A Legend Who Transcended Musical Genres
Dolly Parton’s influence extends far beyond country music.
Born on 19 January 1946 in Tennessee, she became one of the most successful and recognisable performers in American music history.
Her extraordinary songwriting ability produced classics including Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Coat Of Many Colors and 9 To 5.
But she was also admired for her humour, generosity and willingness to explore different musical styles.
Throughout her career, Dolly collaborated with musicians from across the entertainment industry.
She embraced pop, gospel, bluegrass, rock and country music, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to connect with different audiences.
Her 2023 album Rockstar was a particularly important example.
The record featured collaborations with numerous established rock musicians and demonstrated her enthusiasm for heavier musical styles.
For decades, Dolly had expressed admiration for rock music, even while remaining closely associated with country.
Her willingness to consider appearing on BAD WOLVES’ version of Jolene reflected that adventurous spirit.
She was an artist who understood that a great song could take on a completely different identity when performed by another musician.
And she wasn’t afraid to embrace that possibility.
🐉 Music Bringing Different Generations Together
Here at The Riff Report Blog, one of the things we love most about music is its ability to bring different generations and musical communities together.
Country music and heavy metal might appear to occupy completely different worlds.
But both genres share important characteristics.
Powerful storytelling.
Emotionally honest songwriting.
Dedicated fans.
And a deep appreciation for musicians who remain true to their artistic identity.
Dolly Parton’s influence reaches audiences far beyond traditional country music.
Likewise, bands such as BAD WOLVES demonstrate that modern metal can embrace different musical influences without abandoning its own sound.
The involvement of Nashville’s School of Rock also reinforces the importance of helping younger musicians develop their creativity.
And with proceeds supporting Dolly’s Imagination Library, the project demonstrates that music can have an impact well beyond entertainment.
🤘 THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT – A Powerful Metal Tribute With A Meaningful Message!
BAD WOLVES’ new version of Jolene featuring Dolly Parton is one of the most unusual and emotional rock collaborations of 2026.
On paper, the combination sounds almost impossible.
A legendary country singer.
A contemporary metal band.
One of the most recognisable songs ever written.
And a recording that brings together two completely different musical generations.
But behind the heavy guitars and powerful vocals is a story about admiration, loss and the desire to honour an extraordinary musician.
Dolly Parton had personally expressed enthusiasm for BAD WOLVES’ interpretation before her death.
Although she was unable to record the planned new vocal performance, her estate helped complete the collaboration using authentic previously recorded material.
The result is a posthumous release that preserves Dolly’s real voice while introducing her music to a different audience.
There have been legitimate questions surrounding the timing of the original cover and the handling of the project.
However, the latest version has been completed with the support of Dolly’s estate, while proceeds will benefit the Imagination Library.
And that charitable purpose gives the recording additional significance.
For BAD WOLVES, it’s another ambitious interpretation of an established classic.
For KILLBOY, it’s an opportunity to sing alongside one of her musical inspirations.
And for Dolly’s fans, it’s another chance to hear that unmistakable voice.
One legendary song. Two generations of musicians. And a collaboration that crosses the boundaries between country and heavy metal.
🎬 WATCH BAD WOLVES Featuring DOLLY PARTON – ‘JOLENE’ Official Music Video
BAD WOLVES AND DOLLY PARTON – KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE AND HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION! 🎸🖤🔥🤘
THE RIFF REPORT BLOG – MUSIC JOURNALISM WITH BOOTS AT THE BARRICADE!
