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Bad Wolves Release “Jolene” Cover as Tribute to Dolly Parton, Donate Proceeds to Her Literacy Charity

August 31, 2026 Chris Collett 2 min read
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Bad Wolves have released a rock cover of “Jolene” in tribute to Dolly Parton, who died last week before she could record guest vocals for the track. The single arrived Monday, August 31, through Better Noise Music, with proceeds directed to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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According to band founder and drummer John Boecklin, the cover began after the group’s singer shared a fondness for Parton’s original performances of the song. Better Noise Music CEO Dan Waite sent the finished recording to Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, who reported that Parton had heard it, approved of the arrangement, and intended to add her own vocals in the studio. Stems were reportedly sent to her engineers shortly before her passing.

Nozell confirmed Parton’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying she “gave it her full blessing” weeks before her death and that releasing the track as a charitable tribute aligned with what she and her team wanted.

Don Burton, husband of the late Dolores O’Riordan, drew a comparison to Bad Wolves’ earlier cover of “Zombie,” noting that the band and label followed through on donating proceeds from that release to O’Riordan’s children. Boecklin said the band hopes the “Jolene” tribute will similarly support Parton’s mission of expanding children’s access to books and improving literacy.

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