Dolly Parton’s New Hit Is Reminiscent Of One Of Her Biggest Singles

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentDolly Parton’s New Hit Is Reminiscent Of One Of Her Biggest SinglesByHugh McIntyre,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.Follow AuthorApr 29, 2026, 10:50am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Dolly Parton helps rising musical talent Belles reach several U.K. charts for the first time with "Son of Jolene," a semi-sequel to her own "Jolene." NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)Getty ImagesBy age 80, many people have stopped working entirely, and even many celebrated artists, actors, singers, writers, and more have either completely stopped producing new work or have slowed down considerably, but not Dolly Parton. The country superstar is still seemingly as busy as ever, whether it comes to writing and recording music or working on any number of business ventures and media projects. Parton is back on the charts with a new hit, one which very much resembles one of her most famous smashes. As the track arrives, she helps a rising name in the country field score an initial and important win.Dolly Parton’s “Son of Jolene” Debuts as a BestsellerParton joined the musician known as Belles on a track titled “Son of Jolene.” The single is something of a follow-up to the legend’s own “Jolene,” one of the most highly respected country songs of all time and a career highlight for Parton. The original songwriter of “Jolene” lent her name and voice to the tune, giving it credibility and aiding in turning it into a hit, at least in the United Kingdom. This frame, “Son of Jolene” manages a top 40 arrival on the Official Singles Downloads chart...