Bad Wolves Premiere New Version Of Their "Jolene" Cover - Now Featuring Previously Recorded Vocals From Dolly Parton

Bad Wolves have released a fresh alternate take on their cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”, this time incorporating posthumously released guest vocals from Parton herself. The band’s interpretation of the country classic has sparked considerable controversy, with guitarist AJ Rebollo leaving the group amid alleged label pressure to release the cover in the immediate aftermath of Parton’s passing. Rebollo would later retract some of his earlier remarks.

According to the band, Bad Wolves had approached Parton about contributing guest vocals before her death from cancer this past August. Although she had agreed to participate, her illness ultimately prevented her from recording the planned parts.

The group subsequently released its own version shortly after Parton’s passing, with the approval of her manager, Danny Nozell. Bad Wolves also pledged to donate the proceeds from the song to Parton’s nonprofit organization, the Imagination Library, which works to put books into the hands of young children.

Nevertheless, given Bad Wolves’ previous experience with covers featuring artists who passed away before completing their contributions, some listeners questioned whether releasing another rendition of a beloved artist’s song so soon after their death was appropriate. Years earlier, the band had approached Dolores O’Riordan about contributing to their cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”.

O’Riordan died before recording her planned parts, and Bad Wolves released their version shortly after her passing. The band subsequently donated hundreds of thousands of dollars generated by the 3x platinum-certified cover to O’Riordan’s family.

Ultimately, Bad Wolves released their version of “Jolene” online on August 31st, just six days after Parton’s death on August 25th. The newly unveiled alternate version now integrates previously recorded vocal parts from Parton into the band’s rendition.

According to a press release, the new version was completed with the support and approval of Parton’s estate, with proceeds continuing to benefit the aforementioned nonprofit. Her longtime producer Kent Wells was brought in to oversee the posthumous integration of her vocals.

A new music video accompanying the cover features students from Nashville’s School Of Rock and is available to watch below.

Better Noise Music chairman Allen Kovac commented:

“Bad Wolves and the kids from The School Of Rock performed ‘Jolene‘ with raw passion, heavy grit, and zero compromise. This is the same independent spirit Dolly Parton used to build The Imagination Library from the ground up. Having witnessed the challenges her own father faced with illiteracy, Dolly didn’t wait for someone else to fix the problem, she used her platform to make a difference.

She found a way to start sending free books to children to promote literacy and a love of reading because it was important to her. Right now, Dolly’s foundation, The School Of Rock, and Bad Wolves are calling on every artist to honor Dolly‘s legacy by using their platform to support this effort and make a difference in children’s lives. Leverage your independent strength to help give the next generation the future they deserve.”

Bad Wolves drummer John Boecklin added:

“Being able to raise money for Dolly’s charity is an honor, and being able to work with the kids from the Nashville School of Rock was an amazing experience.”

Angie McCreight, owner of the Nashville School Of Rock, stated:

“At School of Rock, our mission is to enrich lives through performance-based music education while building a passionate community of students and instructors. Dolly Parton has long been a favorite artist within our school—not only because of her extraordinary musical legacy, but also because of the joy she has brought to generations of fans and her enduring commitment to education.

Supporting the Imagination Library through this project is a meaningful way to celebrate Dolly, give back to a cause she champions, and express our deep admiration for her legacy. Our students were thrilled to be part of creating this video, and their energy, enthusiasm, and genuine desire to support the cause made the experience especially rewarding. Dolly Parton will always be a ROCKSTAR at the Nashville School of Rock, and we are proud to honor her legacy through the power of music and the next generation of performers.”