Shortly after Lil Nas X performed Dolly Parton's hit song, "Jolene," for BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge on Sept. 21, the country music legend praised the 22-year-old for his rendition of the melody.
“I was so excited when someone told me that Lil Nas X had done my song 'Jolene.' I had to find it and listen to it immediately…and it’s really, really good,” Parton wrote on Instagram. “Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I’m honored and flattered. I hope he does good for both of us. Thank you.”
Before dropping the "Jolene" cover, Lil Nas X hinted that he is working on something with Billy Cyrus and Parton's goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, according to Entertainment Weekly.
"I now have a song with Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, I will not rest until I've collected every Cyrus stone to harness the ultimate power."
i now have a song with billy ray cyrus and miley cyrus, i will not rest until i’ve collected every cyrus stone to harness the ultimate power.
— MONTERO ???? (@LilNasX) September 18, 2021
In 2019, Parton said she was asked to work on the Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus song, "Old Town Road," but decided to pass on the opportunity.
“I had an opportunity to be part of that [song],” she told Elle. “But it had done so well with so many people. I thought, ‘Well, I’ll wait and do something later on. No point in going down that same old town road. We got other roads to travel.’”
Still, the country music icon was thrilled for Lil Nas X when she saw the success of the song.
“I was so happy for him,” she said. “The fact that that was such a country song, I mean, that’s as corny as any country song could be. I don’t mean corny in a bad way. I don’t care how we present country music or keep it alive. I hope it stays alive forever. The fact that all these other people in other fields of music want to be part of that, are able to be part of that—I’m all about acceptance.”
