Country music icon Dolly Parton addressed rumors that have been circulating this week about her being very ill and possibly close to death.
The 79-year-old recording artist posted a video to social media that included the cheeky caption, “I ain’t dead yet!”
“Today is October the 8th, and obviously, I’m here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry,” Parton said while perched on a stool in front of a green screen. “Before I got started, I wanted to say &#8230; I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
I ain’t dead yet! <a href="https://t.co/Mp553laadI">pic.twitter.com/Mp553laadI</a>
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) <a href="https://twitter.com/DollyParton/status/1975970769407705160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
She continued, saying she wanted to “put everybody’s mind at ease” and addressed all the fans who had expressed concern that Parton was sick.
The “Jolene” singer said she appreciated everyone’s prayers. “I want you to know that I’m OK,” Parton went on, saying that she had neglected her health after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March of this year.
Parton explained that her doctor advised her to take care of some health concerns that were “nothing major,” which caused her to cancel some appearances and added fuel to the speculation that she was sicker than she let on.
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“I’m not ready to die yet,” Parton concluded. “I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working. So I love you for caring, and keep praying for me.” 
Rumors of Parton not doing well began when she postponed her highly anticipated Vegas residency. Those rumors reached a fever pitch earlier this week when the singer’s sister, Freida, posted on social media about needing prayers for Parton’s health.
&#8220;Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead [sic] to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me,” Freida posted to Facebook. 
“She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!&#8221;
Several hours later, Freida clarified her comments after panicked fans feared the &#8220;9 to 5&#8221; hitmaker was on her deathbed.
&#8220;I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly,&#8221; Freida wrote in a follow-up. &#8220;She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference.&#8221;

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton Addresses Serious Illness Rumors: ‘I Ain’t Dead Yet!’

Dolly Parton Addresses Serious Illness Rumors: 'I Ain't Dead Yet!'

Celebrities

Country Music

Country singer

Entertainment

A musical show about Dolly Parton will be coming to The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The venue has been making headlines in recent weeks due to the shakeup there following the re-election of President Trump. While some artists are refusing to perform in protest of Trump’s leadership, other major names like Parton are signing on, which is part of the plan to usher in the “Golden Age of the Arts.”
The <a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2024-2025/nsop-dolly-parton/">concert</a>, which premiered in Nashville last year, is called &#8220;Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony.&#8221;
&#8220;The threads of my life are woven together through my songs. That’s why the project, Threads: My Songs In Symphony, is so special to me,&#8221; Parton said in the Kennedy Center&#8217;s announcement of the show. &#8220;It’s about sharing my music and my musical journey with audiences in a new way.&#8221;
The National Symphony Orchestra will be performing classic hits such as &#8220;Jolene,&#8221; &#8220;Coat of Many Colors,&#8221; and &#8220;I Will Always Love You.&#8221;
&#8220;Bringing Dolly Parton’s music to life through the power of a full symphony orchestra has long been a dream of mine,&#8221; National Symphony Orchestra Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke said, per <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scoop-dolly-parton-symphony-concert-heads-dcs-kennedy-center-event-no-one-want-miss">Fox News</a>. &#8220;Dolly is one of the great storytellers of American music, and I am excited to bring her expansive catalog to the Kennedy Center. Through these unique symphonic charts, her music will be showcased like never before and will surely be an evening no one will want to miss!&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Did you hear the National Symphony Orchestra is performing Dolly Parton’s 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 at The Kennedy Center?! It’s a one-of-a-kind multimedia concert experience. Sing along to her greatest hits with live guest vocalists and stunning new orchestrations celebrating her… <a href="https://t.co/rSppzdz2gH">pic.twitter.com/rSppzdz2gH</a>
&mdash; The Kennedy Center (@kencen) <a href="https://twitter.com/kencen/status/1916890028229231017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
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This new show is coming to The Kennedy Center on June 26 and 27, with member tickets now <a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2024-2025/nsop-dolly-parton/">available</a>. The venue is also promoting $75 membership, which includes early access to all upcoming shows. General access tickets to the show will be available beginning May 1.
The Kennedy Center has been in the news ever since President Trump took office and promised major reforms, including firing the entire board, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-dumps-kennedy-center-board-puts-immediate-end-to-drag-shows-for-kids">reported</a>.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote on social media in February. “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”
The changes the new board made led to full-scale meltdowns on the Left, including protests expressed through interpretive dancing. But their protests haven’t made much of a difference. The Kennedy Center just broke its all-time attendance record for a public event it hosted on March 29, welcoming 11,000 attendees, of whom 76% were there for the first time.

Dolly Parton Show Heads To Kennedy Center As They Usher In ‘Golden Age Of The Arts’

Dolly Parton Show Heads To Kennedy Center As They Usher In 'Golden Age Of The Arts'

Kennedy Center

Music

U.S.

Country legend Dolly Parton broke her silence on Thursday following the heartbreaking news on March 3 of the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean. He was 82.
&#8220;This is a love note to family, friends, and fans,” a post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3dkhBulhS/">Instagram</a> from the 79-year-old country singer and actress began.
“Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you&#8217;ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,&#8221; she added. &#8220;I can&#8217;t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me.&#8221;
&#8220;He is in God&#8217;s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,&#8221; Parton continued, a likely reference to one of her biggest hits from 1973 titled, &#8220;I Will Always Love You.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dolly Parton breaks her silence after husband Carl Dean’s death: ‘I will always love you’ <a href="https://t.co/UfM8BuDBTi">https://t.co/UfM8BuDBTi</a> <a href="https://t.co/LBXiYxtQia">pic.twitter.com/LBXiYxtQia</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1897713003685929251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
The post comes days after a statement was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwdXPoPvoj/">posted</a> on her social media account that Dean had passed away in Nashville and will be laid to rest in a private ceremony.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” the country singer shared in a statement. “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
A cause of death has not been announced.
The Tennessee businessman and Parton met the day she moved to Nashville; she was 18, and he was 21. It was outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolly-parton-husband-carl-dean-dies-2b17ba0e44bcb864a3800bc17afdedeb?taid=67c648700119c30001f804d4&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Associated Press</a> reported.
“I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” Parton described of their meeting. “He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”
Two years later, the two tied the knot at a small wedding in Ringgold, Georgia, on Memorial Day, May 30, 1966.
While Parton’s career took off, Dean remained mostly out of the spotlight, supporting her behind the scenes, even being the inspiration to one of her biggest hits ever, “Jolene,” per <a href="https://www.npr.org/2008/10/09/95520570/dolly-partons-jolene-still-haunts-singers">NPR</a>.
“She got this terrible crush on my husband,” Parton said of a bank teller who seemed interested in Dean. “And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention.”
“It was kinda like a running joke between us — when I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money,’” she added. “So it’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dolly-parton-shares-secret-to-her-56-year-marriage-it-was-meant-to-be" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dolly Parton Shares Secret To Her 56-Year Marriage: ‘It Was Meant To Be’</a>

The 53rd Annual CMA Awards – Arrivals

‘I Will Always Love You’: Dolly Parton Speaks Out Following Death Of Husband

Death

Hollywood

Marriage

County music legend Dolly Parton shared the heartbreaking news on Monday that her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, had died. He was 82.
In a message posted on the 79-year-old singer’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwdXPoPvoj/">Instagram</a> account, Parton said that Dean passed away in Nashville and will be laid to rest in a private ceremony.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” the country singer shared in a statement.  “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
At the time of this publication, the cause of death has not been announced.
The Tennessee businessman and Parton met the day she moved to Nashville; she was 18, and he was 21. It was outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolly-parton-husband-carl-dean-dies-2b17ba0e44bcb864a3800bc17afdedeb?taid=67c648700119c30001f804d4&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Associated Press</a> reported.
“I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” Parton described of their meeting. “He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”
Two years later, the two tied the knot at a small wedding in Ringgold, Georgia, on Memorial Day, May 30, 1966.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Some sad news…
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of 58 years, has died.
He was 82.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can&#8217;t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/8D4kpXswbK">pic.twitter.com/8D4kpXswbK</a>
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) <a href="https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1896720415973572624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
While Parton’s career took off, Dean remained mostly out of the spotlight, supporting her behind the scenes, even being the inspiration to one of her biggest hits ever, “Jolene,” per <a href="https://www.npr.org/2008/10/09/95520570/dolly-partons-jolene-still-haunts-singers">NPR</a>.
“She got this terrible crush on my husband,” Parton said of a bank teller who seemed interested in Dean. “And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention.”
“It was kinda like a running joke between us — when I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money,’” she added. “So it’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”
During a recent interview with Parton about the couple’s marriage, she opened up about their relationship and said it was just “meant to be.”
“I like it when people say, ‘How did it last so long?’ I say, ‘I stay going,&#8217;” Parton explained during an interview with <a href="https://etcanada.com/news/952554/dolly-parton-says-warped-sense-of-humour-is-key-to-56-year-marriage-with-carl-dean/">ET Canada</a>.
“You know, there’s a lot to be said about that. So, we’re not in each other’s face all the time. He’s not in the business, so we have different interests, but yet we have the things we love to do together,” she added. “So it was meant to be, I think. He was the one I was supposed to have and vice versa.”
After Parton was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she said Dean inspired her to make a rock album, something she accomplished in 2023, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolly-parton-new-album-rockstar-15f6efbfe89e9370eee4bf71e0ea26de">AP</a> noted.
&#8220;I did it because I’m in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” Parton <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/06/entertainment/dolly-parton-husband-carl-dean/index.html">said</a>. It was Dean, she said, who “really made me make that final decision to think, ‘You know what? I’ve got this great opportunity to do this, and I’m just gonna do it.’&#8221;
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dolly-parton-achieves-career-milestone-with-new-album-at-77" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dolly Parton Achieves Career Milestone With New Album At 77</a>

Dolly Parton Shares Heartbreaking News About Husband Of Nearly 60 Years

Nashville

Tennessee

The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/dolly-parton">Dolly Parton</a> musical is coming to Broadway with the legendary country star announcing an internet casting call to find the right singers for the upcoming show to possibly play the part of Dolly.
“Whether you’re chasing your dreams from a small town or you’ve spent years performing on stages across the country, I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me,” the 78-year-old singer shared in a video posted on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TCNbfXv-mI">YouTube</a> about “Dolly: An Original Musical.”
“This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who’ve been with me along the way,” she added. “Now we’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey.”
<iframe loading="lazy" title="I’m happy to announce the #SearchForDolly 🦋" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9TCNbfXv-mI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
“Whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something,” Parton continued, noting that those selected will get the chance to audition in person.
The “Jolene” hitmaker said the musical will center around her life story with a mix of songs that made her famous to original ones she’s written just for the musical.
Earlier this year, the “9 to 5” star finally revealed plans for a musical about her life, then-titled “Hello, I&#8217;m Dolly,” following years of teasing details about it, The Hollywood Reporter <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/dolly-parton-musical-2026-broadway-1235916369/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a>.
“Hello, I’m Dolly, and I lived my whole life to see this show on stage,” Parton said in a press release. “I’ve written many original songs for the show and included all your favorites in it as well.”
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“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll clap, you’ll stomp, it truly is a Grand Ol’ Opera,” she added. “Pun and fun intended. Don’t miss it!”
The country legend previously worked on Broadway when she wrote the Tony-nominated score to the musical adaptation of her hit 1980 movie “9 to 5” for “9 to 5: The Musical.” It opened on Broadway in April 2009 and ran until it closed in September that year.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/dolly-parton">Parton</a> made headlines in October when she announced a massive donation to help the victims of Hurricane Helene following the devastation to the southeastern states of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Speaking at a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CLV6GETecI&amp;t=1153s">press conference</a> held at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, Parton said just as during the 2016 wildfires when she and others stepped up — this is another time to do the same.
“Today, I wanted to announce that from myself personally, just from my own bank account, I’m donating $1 million dollars today. But also with my Dollywood companies and all the people I’m involved with … [Dollywood Foundation, etc] and we’ve added another $1 million to that,” the country singer said, adding it’s going to take a lot of money and a long time.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dolly-parton-floats-reboot-of-iconic-90s-tv-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dolly Parton Floats Reboot Of Iconic 90s TV Show</a>

Dolly Parton Musical Is Coming To Broadway With Internet Casting Call Announcement

Broadway

Remember Outlaw Country?
Mega-stars like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/legendary-performer-kris-kristofferson-dead-at-88">Kris Kristofferson</a> and Willie Nelson upended the genre with their uncompromising sound. That rebel brand stuck, and some rough-and-tumble country tunes (and antics) followed.
Sadly, only Nelson is still with us, but a new wave of country rebels is here. These singers defy narratives on the Left and the harder Left.
<div id="attachment_811343" style="width: 889px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-811343" class="wp-image-811343 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-135294263-879x576.jpg" alt="The Highwaymen perform on stage, L-R Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, Ahoy, Rotterdam, 20th April 1992. (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns)" width="879" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-135294263-879x576.jpg 879w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-135294263-300x197.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-135294263-768x503.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-135294263.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px" />The Highwaymen perform on stage, L-R Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, Ahoy, Rotterdam, 20th April 1992. (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns)</div>
They give ‘til it hurts, no matter the politics in play. They speak out for free speech and patriotism and crush anti-Semitism when it raises its ugly head. Unfortunately those positions are suddenly counter-culture, but that’s the state of play.
Take Hurricane Helene and Hollywood’s (lack of) response. Celebrities rallied en masse 19 years ago when Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans. Star-studded telethons. Wallets and purses opened wide. Housing restoration projects funded.
Celebrity Nation could hold its head high, even if <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/brad-pitt-charity-mess-katrina-victims-stranded-1235371222/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not every rescue effort</a> proved fruitful.
The same Nation has been mostly quiet following the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.
Not country music superstars.
Dolly Parton was among the first to open her checkbook for Hurricane Helene survivors, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdq65185qdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donating $1 million</a> to the cause. Morgan Wallen followed, leveraging his charitable foundation for hurricane relief. He also got a hand from <a href="https://countrychord.com/morgan-wallen-joined-by-theo-von-at-donation-drive-for-hurricane-helene-victims-in-knoxville-tennessee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rebel comedian Theo Von</a>.
<div id="attachment_811345" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-811345" class="size-large wp-image-811345" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2156369957-864x576.jpg" alt="NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 06: Dolly Parton speaks onstage during Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Music City Center on June 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2156369957-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2156369957-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2156369957-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2156369957.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE &#8211; JUNE 06: Dolly Parton speaks onstage during Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Music City Center on June 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)</div>
Later, country superstars Eric Church and Luke Combs announced a <a href="https://www.kptv.com/2024/10/08/luke-combs-eric-church-teaming-up-concert-carolina-aid-hurricane-helene-recovery/">fundraising “Concert for Carolina</a>” effort along with James Taylor.
The list of celebrities who rallied following Hurricane Katrina was a who’s who of Hollywood, music and more. You’d be hard-pressed to pick a big name who sat out the effort.
This time around, country musicians are leading the way, blazing a trail for the thousands impacted by the crushing storm.
<div id="attachment_811351" style="width: 833px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-811351" class="size-large wp-image-811351" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-1464824919-823x576.jpg" alt="PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 09: Luke Combs performs during Luke Combs Live from Arizona Financial Theatre for SiriusXM and Pandora on February 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for SiriusXM)" width="823" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-1464824919-823x576.jpg 823w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-1464824919-300x210.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-1464824919-768x538.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-1464824919.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 823px) 100vw, 823px" />PHOENIX, ARIZONA &#8211; FEBRUARY 09: Luke Combs performs during Luke Combs Live from Arizona Financial Theatre for SiriusXM and Pandora on February 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for SiriusXM)</div>
It’s hard to ignore the political component on two fronts.
The corporate media hasn’t covered Helene like Katrina. Journalists also refuse to hold the Biden/Harris administration accountable for any issues tied to the government response.
Progressive celebrities may be ignorant to the devastation on display. Few read The Daily Wire or watch Fox News on a regular basis. That, or they realize that pooling their resources for hurricane relief might have an unintended consequence for Kamala Harris’ election chances. While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flexes his considerable chops in hurricane relief again and again, the FEMA response (from, “we’re broke” to, “here’s up to $750, good luck!&#8221;) could have political implications.
Other country crooners are letting their voices be heard on other pressing matters. Comedian/country singer Chad Prather’s new song is a thumb in the eye to the status quo, a protest song that might fit in with the Flower Power era.
“Watered Down,” featuring John Rich, takes a blowtorch to media bias and government chicanery.
“Been fed a lot of lies and fear, still hurting from taking the last few years on the chin …”
“We’re exactly where the devil wants us to be, far away from God and everything that makes us feel complete … If the truth is what we breathe we’d all drown”
When mainstream superstars speak up these days, it’s to support the system a la Bruce Springsteen endorsing Kamala Harris.
Rich also took part in a remarkable party last month on behalf of young patriots. In May, pro-Palestinian protesters torn down an American flag on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus and replaced it with the Palestinian flag. Some patriotic fraternity brothers rushed to the rescue, restoring Old Glory while fending off debris thrown by the protesters.
Musicians like Lee Greenwood and Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik) joined country superstars Aaron Lewis and Big &amp; Rich for a free September celebration of their all-American pluck.
Rich riled up the crowd, getting a huge response to a simple question: &#8220;Do you still love America?&#8221;  If you think a patriotic gala isn’t controversial in 2024, think again.
Journalism major Matthew Broderick told Fox News some of his fellow students <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/unc-flagstock-erupts-usa-chants-john-rich-lee-greenwood-tells-students-its-ok-patriotic">didn’t like embracing the U.S. flag in such fashion. </a>&#8220;There&#8217;s a lot of people who are in huge favor of this. They love this. And then there&#8217;s a lot of people who think this is a really bad idea … I don&#8217;t think there&#8217;s a consensus about this.&#8221;
As recently as 2020, country crooners recognized the need to protect the First Amendment. How &#8230; radical. Brad Paisley, Kane Brown, Loretta Lynn, Jason Isabell and Darius Rucker rallied behind the &#8220;My Free Speech&#8221; national ad campaign.
And Oliver Anthony became a literal overnight sensation with his populist anthem, &#8220;Rich Men North of Richmond.&#8221; The tune&#8217;s Everyman cry spoke volumes about the state of the country, catapulting him up the music charts.
<div>
<div id="attachment_811355" style="width: 817px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-811355" class="size-large wp-image-811355" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2173837735-807x576.jpg" alt="KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 22: Morgan Wallen performs onstage for night two of his One Night At A Time tour at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time 2024)" width="807" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2173837735-807x576.jpg 807w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2173837735-300x214.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2173837735-768x548.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/10/GettyImages-2173837735.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 807px) 100vw, 807px" />John Shearer/Getty Images for for Morgan Wallen&#8217;s One Night At A Time 2024</div>
</div>
Country music may lean to the Right, but its corporate side still favors a center-Left worldview. The aforementioned singers would rather be true to themselves than appeases their corporate masters.
Country’s original outlaws saw the bottom of a bottle, the inside of a jail cell or both. They took their rebel streaks seriously, sometimes putting their health in harm’s way. Their legends only grew as a result.
Today’s country rebels are more polite and less interested in law breaking. They just love taking progressive narratives by the scruff of the neck and giving them a good ol’ shake.
* * *
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://x.com/HollywoodInToto?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@HollywoodInToto</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

MixCollage-11-Oct-2024-10-24-AM-8498

Country Stars Make Their Voices Heard On Hurricane Relief

Country Singers

Floods

fundraiser

Hurricane Helene

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen

North Carolina

Opinion

Country star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/luke-combs">Luke Combs</a> announced he and other stars are coming together for a benefit concert in Charlotte to help those in the southeastern states affected by Hurricane Helene.
In a <a href="https://x.com/lukecombs/status/1843294077757902916">post</a> on Monday, the 34-year-old country singer wrote that he “had something big planned for Carolina. One of the ways we’re helping is a benefit concert at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 26th!&#8221;
“This concert took so much planning, work, and coordination from so many people,” he added. “I’m so thankful to everyone who helped make this a possibility on such short notice. Tickets will go on sale this Thursday and 100% of all proceeds will be going directly to those who need it most.”
Combs named Eric Church, James Taylor, and Billy Strings as joining him for the concert with all proceeds from the show to be split 50/50 between Combs and Church&#8217;s Chief Cares Foundation to help those in the Carolinas affected, <a href="https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/hurricane/helene/hurricane-helene-benefit-concert-luke-combs-eric-church-james-taylor-billy-strings/275-e7bcfbfc-1d38-4312-9f47-60656ea00a73">WCNC </a>noted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I told y’all I had something big planned for Carolina. One of the ways we’re helping is a benefit concert at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 26th! This concert took so much planning, work, and coordination from so many people. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped make this a… <a href="https://t.co/b6bHwcGfZq">pic.twitter.com/b6bHwcGfZq</a>
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukecombs/status/1843294077757902916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
Church and Combs also spoke to <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/country/luke-combs-eric-church-hurricane-helene-relief-concert-interview-1235796031/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">Billboard </a>about the conversation the two singers had after the hurricane that led to the concert.
Combs — who went to Appalachian State University — said the morning after the hurricane hit both of them “were just inundated with calls and texts and pictures and images from the areas.”
“I called Eric and was like, ‘Hey, let’s figure out how to do a show. I don’t know when, I don’t know where. We’ll worry about that later, but let’s just pool our resources,'&#8221; Combs said. &#8220;Let’s do what we do best and help in the way that is best suited to my abilities and Eric’s abilities’ and I think we’re doing that.&#8221;
“It was disbelief,” Church said. “These are areas that I knew and then I saw the photos and I didn’t recognize these areas. My family spends half the year in Banner Elk.”
“That’s as much home as Nashville is,” he added. “It was just this shock of I know what I’m supposed to be looking at, but that doesn’t look anything like what it looked like a week ago. I don’t think I’ve come to grips with it yet.”
The concert follows massive donations from country superstars like <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/dolly-parton">Dolly Parton</a>, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/jason-aldean">Jason Aldean</a>, and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/morgan-wallen">Morgan Wallen</a> to aid with hurricane relief efforts. The heavy metal rock band <a href="https://x.com/Metallica/status/1842292459558289888">Metallica</a> also announced they were contributing $100,000 to help those in the area.
“Over the past week, Hurricane Helene has left a 500-mile path of destruction throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee in its wake,” the band <a href="https://x.com/Metallica/status/1842292459558289888">wrote</a> on X. “It is an unmitigated tragedy, with over 215 lives lost and hundreds of people still unaccounted for. Historic water levels and widespread flooding across the Appalachians have left hundreds of roads inaccessible, hindering rescue efforts.”
The <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/05/us/helene-death-toll-rises-saturday/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death toll</a> was up to at least 232 as of Monday across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia in the wake of the hurricane.
For information about the “Concert for Carolina,” visit their <a href="https://www.concertforcarolina.com/">website</a> for tickets, updates, details, and more.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jason-aldean-makes-huge-donation-to-help-hurricane-victims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason Aldean Makes Huge Donation To Help Hurricane Victims</a>

CMA Fest 2022 – Day 3

Country Stars Unite For Benefit Concert For Hurricane Victims

concert

Jason Aldean

Country star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/dolly-parton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dolly Parton</a> announced a massive donation to help the victims of Hurricane Helene following the devastation to the southeastern states of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Speaking at a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CLV6GETecI&amp;t=1153s">press conference</a> held at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, the 78-year-old country singer said &#8212; just as during the 2016 wildfires when she and others stepped up &#8212; this is another time to do the same.
“We all have seen the devastation,” Parton said. &#8220;I mean, who knew in our little part of the country here, where I was born, raised just right down the road, that we would have this kind of devastation?”
“And I look around, and I think these are my mountains, these are my valleys,” she added. “These are my rivers flowing like a stream. These are my people, these mountain-colored rainbows. These are my people. And this is my home.&#8221;
“Today, I wanted to announce that from myself personally, just from my own bank account, I&#8217;m donating $1 million dollars today. But also with my Dollywood companies and all the people I’m involved with … [Dollywood Foundation, etc] and we’ve added another $1 million to that,” the country singer continued, saying it’s going to take a lot of money and a long time.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Hurricane Helene Press Conference" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6CLV6GETecI?start=1153&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
During a Q&amp;A with local reporters, Parton said watching people suffer is “personal because I have a lot of my own relatives that live here. When we heard about this, it was devastating, not just because it was my family, but all these people feel like my people. We all feel related, and we are in some sort of way.”
“It just devastated me just to know that we had to suffer like that. You don’t want to see anybody suffering, especially me, so anything that we can do to help,” she added. “I was heartbroken like everybody else, just amazed and devastated by it.”
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726313279401000&amp;usg=AOvVaw115_qPFFEePDP86-Fvo-Vd">Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here!</a>
&#8220;I know it&#8217;s easy for us to say, &#8216;Oh, things are going to get better&#8217; when things are still really bad,&#8221; the country singer continued. &#8220;All we can say is that we are with you. We love you. We hope that things get better real soon, and we&#8217;re going to do our part to try to make that possible. We love you, and we appreciate you. And we thank you. And I think that with God&#8217;s help and all the help of all these good people, we&#8217;ll make it. We’ll be better than ever, one of these days.”
At least <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hurricane-helene-death-toll-approaches-180-as-hundreds-still-missing">180 people</a> across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia have already been confirmed dead in the wake of the hurricane, with the death toll expected to rise. Millions were left without power, internet access, and cell phone service.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/its-not-government-its-us-chris-pratt-issues-plea-for-hurricane-victims-following-donation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘It’s Not Government, It’s Us’: Chris Pratt Issues Plea For Hurricane Victims Following Donation</a>

‘These Are My People’: Dolly Parton Announces Massive Donation To Help Hurricane Victims

'These Are My People': Dolly Parton Announces Massive Donation To Help Hurricane Victims

Georgia

Legendary country music singer/songwriter and Hollywood star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/celebrities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kris Kristofferson</a> passed away “peacefully” at his home in Maui on Saturday, his family confirmed. He was 88.
A statement to <a href="https://people.com/kris-kristofferson-dead-at-88-7496435?hid=4f90b78dc31e627328d98338e1fa49d03b364abc&amp;did=14755543-20240929&amp;utm_campaign=ppl_relationship-builder&amp;utm_source=ppl&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=092924&amp;lctg=4f90b78dc31e627328d98338e1fa49d03b364abc&amp;lr_input=a08f4ce0dc67f7e22d138c82b9ce538ad294bfaca0b145e2f563962e58e05ef7&amp;utm_term=breaking-news">People magazine</a> from the “A Star is Born” actor’s family read, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home.”
“We’re all so blessed for our time with him,” the statement from Kristofferson’s family added. “Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
Born in 1936 in Texas, Kristofferson got his start in the entertainment industry after moving to Tennessee in the 1960’s because of his love for songwriting. He worked as a night janitor at Columbia Studios and would submit songs he wrote like “For the Good Times&#8221; and &#8220;Sunday Mornin&#8217; Comin&#8217; Down.&#8221; 
Speaking to <a href="https://www.clashmusic.com/features/kris-kristoffersons-rock-and-rules/">Clash in 2010</a>, Kristofferson said he fell in love with the music community in Nashville.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726313279401000&amp;usg=AOvVaw115_qPFFEePDP86-Fvo-Vd">Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here!</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“Kris Kristofferson believed creativity is God-given, and those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work gave voice not only to his soul but to ours. He leaves a resounding legacy.” 
—Kyle Young,… <a href="https://t.co/JMyZp6lJUr">pic.twitter.com/JMyZp6lJUr</a>
— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) <a href="https://twitter.com/countrymusichof/status/1840517759014236326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;The way the old heroes helped out the new guys,” Kristofferson said. “It was a very soulful business at the time; I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s anything like that now. But it was definitely the best move I&#8217;ve ever made.&#8221;
He continued writing songs and had massive success with hits like &#8220;Me and Bobby McGee&#8221; and “Help Me Make it Through the Night,” the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kris-kristofferson-dead-47becf20fecd41aba66840af2e1275db">Associated Press</a> noted.
&#8220;He is a poet rather than a musician, more concerned with interpretation than with quality of voice,&#8221; <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1970/12/06/archives/kris-kristofferson-is-the-new-nashville-sound-the-new-nashville.html">The New York Times</a> wrote in a 1970 profile. &#8220;He is at once blunt and mystical, above petty prejudices, strongly appealing to both the campus and to intellectual sets. He is an important link between country, pop and underground music.&#8221;
Kristofferson then entered the world of Hollywood, starring in movies like Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” and in 1976&#8217;s “A Star Is Born,” alongside Barbra Streisand. Later, he performed opposite Wesley Snipes in Marvel’s “Blade” in 1998, the AP noted.
Following news of his death, stars like Dolly Parton, Streisand and more shared tributes to him.
“What a great loss,&#8221; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAhWIXZPtIa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=9ec85b8b-f3c1-499d-8ec3-6dea36b98985">Parton</a> wrote. &#8220;What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAhdWbhojl_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=86a3b8f4-e893-4937-be07-61ebe5aebd35">Streisand</a> labeled her former co-star “something special” and recalled how in their movie, “Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, “Evergreen.” For my latest concert in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, “Lost Inside Of You.” He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.”
Country star <a href="https://x.com/TravisTritt/status/1840524597969440781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1840524597969440781%7Ctwgr%5Ee5b46580e026b4ab004d3f79079b22d54dc28b2e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeadline.com%2F2024%2F09%2Fkris-kristoffersons-death-hollywood-reacts-1236103088%2F">Travis Tritt</a> wrote that Kristofferson was, “an inspiration to me and I was fortunate to get to know him on the set of &#8220;Outlaw Justice&#8221; that we filmed in Spain in 1998. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kris’s wife Lisa and all of his family, friends and fans.”
<a href="https://x.com/reba/status/1840542182929014889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1840542182929014889%7Ctwgr%5E924c5714ffb5ba99edbbf8fb696636a0bc8e20fb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeadline.com%2F2024%2F09%2Fkris-kristoffersons-death-hollywood-reacts-1236103088%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reba McEntire</a> took to social media calling Kristofferson, &#8220;a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. I am so glad I got to meet him and be around him. One of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Kris.”
Kristofferson is survived by his wife Lisa, eight children and seven grandchildren, People noted.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/field-of-dreams-star-james-earl-jones-dead-at-93" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Field Of Dreams’ Star James Earl Jones Dead At 93</a>

Kris Kristofferson

Legendary Performer Kris Kristofferson Dead At 88

Barbra Streisand

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/megyn-kelly-calls-beyonces-jolene-anything-but-empowering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beyonce</a> topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with “Cowboy Carter,” which also debuted in the number one spot on the Billboard 200 country music chart and has sold more albums in 2024 than any others.
The 42-year-old pop singer’s foray into country music was released on March 29 debuting with 407,000 equivalent album units, as of the week ending April 4, <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beyonce-cowboy-carter-number-one-billboard-200-country-albums-chart-1235650662/">Billboard</a> magazine reported.
The singer also topped the Americana/Folk Albums and Top Album Sales charts with &#8220;Cowboy Carter,&#8221;  that brings her version of such famed songs as Dolly Parton’s “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/megyn-kelly-calls-beyonces-jolene-anything-but-empowering">Jolene</a>” and Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird,” the outlet noted.
“Cowboy Carter” gave Beyonce her biggest week, by units, since the release of her “Lemonade” album in 2016, which debuted in No. 1 with 653,000 units (mostly from traditional album sales). Her latest, has also given the pop star her biggest streaming week ever and she became the first black woman ever to lead the Top Country Albums list, dating back to January 1964, when it launched.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
With ‘Cowboy Carter,’ <a href="https://twitter.com/Beyonce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Beyonce</a> Becomes First Black Woman to Lead Top Country Albums Chart <a href="https://t.co/Tb8Y8SqtEq">https://t.co/Tb8Y8SqtEq</a>
— billboard (@billboard) <a href="https://twitter.com/billboard/status/1777430085248684381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
“Cowboy Carter” claimed the biggest week for a country album, by units, since <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/taylor-swift-fans-cause-earthquake-during-la-concert-seismologists-find" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taylor Swift’</a>s release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),&#8221; which opened in July last year with 716,000 units.
The new album became Beyonce’s eighth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, breaking her out of a tie with Janet Jackson now with the fourth-most toppers among women. It brings her closer to beating Madonna with nine, Barbra Streisand&#8217;s 11, and Swift who leads with 12, <a href="https://variety.com/2024/music/news/beyonces-cowboy-carter-number-one-album-sold-1235963405/">Variety magazine</a> noted.
Beyonce’s country album includes songs like “Texas Hold’ Em,” “16 Carriages,” and the remake of Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene.” However, it is Beyonce’s cover of Parton&#8217;s song that has generated more <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/beyonce-misses-the-point-with-forgettable-jolene-cover">headlines</a> than any of her other new songs on the album.
Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1337-the-most-anti-christian-president-in-history-declares-easter-transgender-day-of-visibility-1">said</a> on his April 1 show, “What makes this song unique and interesting, which has caused it to resonate over the five decades since it’s been made, is the vulnerability, and the heartbreak, and the longing in the lyrics and the performance.” Walsh said the insecurity of the main character in Parton’s song is what makes her so relatable. The fact that Beyoncé chose to strip it away made the song demonstrably worse.
Daily Wire host Michael Knowles went even deeper, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1458-the-trans-day-of-visibility1">saying</a> that Beyoncé’s “Jolene” was a statement on how modern society views marriage, divorce, and starting over after two decades of marriage.
“Women have a special power,” Knowles says. “They have a seductive power to them. That’s real. You gotta be on guard, if you’re the wife, if you’re Dolly Parton, or if you’re the husband. We deny all this though. We deny it at our peril. Is it any wonder that the thing that’s supposed to be protected, the marriage, the family, is falling apart?”
Amanda Harding contributed to this piece.
&nbsp;

2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards – Show

Beyonce Tops Country Chart With ‘Cowboy Carter’

Beyonce Tops Country Chart With 'Cowboy Carter'

Beyonce

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/megyn-kelly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Megyn Kelly</a> called Beyoncé&#8217;s latest version of Dolly Parton&#8217;s song &#8220;<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/beyonce-misses-the-point-with-forgettable-jolene-cover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jolene</a>&#8221; anything but empowering, despite what &#8220;Queen Bey&#8221; may have hoped to have portrayed.
During &#8220;The Megyn Kelly Show&#8221; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0s5UZ7N2R4">podcast</a> on Friday, Kelly talked about Beyoncé&#8217;s &#8220;bada** b****&#8221; version of &#8220;Jolene&#8221; on her album &#8220;Cowboy Carter&#8221; and why she thinks it completely misses the mark, referencing an <a href="https://unherd.com/2024/04/has-beyonce-killed-jolene/">article</a> that she said explained how she felt.
&#8220;The original &#8216;Jolene&#8217; is a story about a woman feeling threatened by another woman who&#8217;s prettier and more alluring,&#8221; the host said. &#8220;And she&#8217;s basically begging her not to steal her man. That she can do it. She flatters her … but please don’t because I love him and I could never love anybody as much.&#8221;
&#8220;Then of course because it&#8217;s &#8216;Queen Bey,&#8217; we have to change it to be &#8216;f***ing take my man, I will hurt you b****…'&#8221;  she added. &#8220;And it&#8217;s much more, like, threatening, which I guess Beyoncé and Team Bey think is what empowerment looks like. For now, the threatened woman is just threatening to another woman who she thinks might have designs on her life partner…&#8221;
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Beyonce&#039;s Cover Of &quot;Jolene&quot; - Insecurity Disguised as Feminism? With MK Ham &amp; Bridget Phetasy" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0s5UZ7N2R4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
&#8220;And I have to say, I don&#8217;t find this empowering at all,&#8221; Kelly continued. &#8220;There&#8217;s something strange about what&#8217;s happening with the modern day definition of what a strong woman is. You can&#8217;t have any vulnerabilities or insecurities. You have to be this bada** b**** who&#8217;s, like, threatening, &#8216;F***ing a, you mess with my man.&#8217; And it&#8217;s to me, it&#8217;s a turnoff. &#8230; The true power move is not to worry, and not to have to worry. But Beyoncé couldn&#8217;t quite get there…&#8221;
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700760801843000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PQrVSrJfhxNb4LcARqniG">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
The host of the show pointed to the article again and said she agreed that there is something strange happening in our culture that &#8220;strong female characters&#8221; are now just basically &#8220;men with tits.&#8221;
&#8220;Why did we have to go from women shouldn&#8217;t work, women should only have babies, women aren&#8217;t strong, women are too emotional, women have to be locked up for their hysterics if they express tears or anxiety,&#8221; Kelly said. &#8220;To women have no emotion, women are total ballbusters, and showing any softness, tears, empathy, vulnerability, insecurity is somehow non-feminine, and no longer acceptable in what an ideal woman is.&#8221;
&#8220;Well, I think it was a swing and a miss,” she added about Beyoncé’s &#8220;Jolene&#8221; and referenced <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2024/03/beyonce-jolene-cover-dolly-parton/677923/">The Atlantic</a> critic who wrote, &#8220;Beyoncé replaced the vulnerability that made &#8216;Jolene&#8217; one of the best tunes of all time with a bunch of bad-b**** cliches.&#8221;
&#8220;If you listen to the whole song, all the lyrics are changed,&#8221; Kelly continued. &#8220;She&#8217;s changed the entire meaning of the song &#8230; this is an entirely different message and I don&#8217;t buy it.&#8221;

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Megyn Kelly Calls Beyoncé’s ‘Jolene’ Anything But Empowering

Feminism

Megyn Kelly

Music Industry

A lot has been said about Beyoncé’s new Cowboy Carter album, and even more about her decision to put her own spin on the classic Dolly Parton single, “Jolene.”
It’s not the first time a modern artist has covered the song and it likely won’t be the last. The controversy, then, lies in how the Grammy Award-winning singer chose to change the meaning. 
Fans call it a triumph, insisting it’s an example of Beyoncé refusing to play the victim to a would-be man stealer. Others claim the vulnerability was the point of the song. These critics can’t help but question: if Beyonce didn’t agree with the central message in “Jolene,” why didn’t she just write a new song?
This seems like a silly question in today’s era of remakes, reboots, and never-ending franchises. True originality is a rare commodity in the music industry, but for someone with as many accolades and devotees as Beyoncé, one could argue that there isn’t a better place for it to come from. The “Single Ladies” singer didn’t have to worry about dealing with a woman with “flaming locks of auburn hair” when fans have been talking about “<a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/beyonce-and-becky-with-the-good-hair-what-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Becky with the good hair</a>” since 2016.
The original “Jolene” was written and recorded by Parton in 1973. It was named Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 greatest songs of all time and has been covered by many artists over the years with varying degrees of success. The single was nominated for the Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in both 1975 and 1976.
<div id="attachment_719441" style="width: 395px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-719441" class="size-large wp-image-719441" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-86099610-385x576.jpg" alt="UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Dolly PARTON (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)" width="385" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-86099610-385x576.jpg 385w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-86099610-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-86099610.jpg 684w" sizes=" (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px" />Richard E. Aaron/Redferns</div>
Parton said the song was <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/glastonbury-2014-so-whos-jolene-9574451.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inspired by</a> a red-headed bank employee who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, when they were first married. She took the name “Jolene” from a fan encounter. Throughout the lyrics, Parton pleads with a beautiful woman not to “steal her man” just because “she can.”
“You could have your choice of men/but I will never love again,” Parton pleads. 
The main criticism with Beyoncé’s cover is how she changes the entire meaning from vulnerability to aggression. The newest version’s main character doesn’t plead with Jolene, but rather threatens her with harm if she tried to steal away the man in question.
&#8220;Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/I’m warning you, don’t come for my man/Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/Don’t take the chance because you think you can,&#8221; Beyoncé sings in the intro.
And while the “Crazy In Love” singer concedes that her competition has “beauty beyond compare,” she still claims that’s not enough to persuade her man away. “Takes more than beauty and seductive stares/To come between a family and a happy man,&#8221; Beyoncé’s lyrics say. &#8220;Jolene, I’m a woman too/Thе games you play are nothing new/So you don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene.&#8221;
<div id="attachment_719439" style="width: 817px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-719439" class="size-large wp-image-719439" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-2131561542-807x576.jpg" alt="LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award from Stevie Wonder onstage during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on April 01, 2024. Broadcasted live on FOX. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)" width="807" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-2131561542-807x576.jpg 807w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-2131561542-300x214.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-2131561542-768x548.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/04/GettyImages-2131561542.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 807px) 100vw, 807px" />Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio</div>
Meanwhile, Parton admits in her version that her man is being tempted to stray. &#8220;He talks about you in his sleep/And there&#8217;s nothin&#8217; I can do to keep/From cryin&#8217; when he calls your name, Jolene,&#8221; Parton’s version says. &#8220;And I can easily understand/How you could easily take my man/But you don&#8217;t know what he means to me, Jolene.&#8221;
Beyoncé tells her rival things aren’t so simple. &#8220;We’ve been deep in love for 20 years/I raised that man, I raised his kids/I know my man better than he knows himself (what),&#8221; she sings. &#8220;I can easily understand why you’re attracted to my man/But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot with someone else (you heard me).&#8221;
Later, Beyoncé calls herself a “queen” and issues her final warning. &#8220;I’m still a Creole banjee b*tch from Louisianne (don’t try me)/There’s a thousand girls in every room/That act as desperate as you do/You a bird, go on and sing your tune, Jolene (what),&#8221; she sings. &#8220;I had to have this talk with you/‘Cause I hate to have to act a fool/Your peace depends on how you move, Jolene.&#8221;
Even though the whole meaning of the song is changed with Beyoncé’s version, Parton has been publicly supportive. She said as much on <a href="https://twitter.com/DollyParton/status/1773785045230030897" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> on March 29, the same day as “Cowboy Carter” was released. &#8220;Wow, I just heard Jolene. Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!” the country music legend wrote.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
❤️ <a href="https://t.co/6hRpwERG8O">pic.twitter.com/6hRpwERG8O</a>
&mdash; Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) <a href="https://twitter.com/DollyParton/status/1773785045230030897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Mainstream critics mostly saw the “Jolene” cover as harmless but forgettable. The Washington Post reviewer <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/03/30/beyonce-cowboy-carter-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">described</a> the single as a “lower-hanging tribute” while Rolling Stone <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/beyonce-cowboy-carter-review-1234996919/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it was “cheeky and humorous … even if it doesn’t add much.”
Slate critic Carl Wilson addressed the most obvious criticism, <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2024/03/beyonce-cowboy-carter-album-review-country.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a> that removing the pleading and insecurity kills the essence of the message.
“Why do ‘Jolene’ if you’re going to remove the most unique and powerful element of the song, that the narrator is baring her vulnerability and asking the mercy of her rival? That’s something that a post-Lemonade Beyoncé could never do, so she reduces it to a generic boast track about the greatness of her own marriage,” he wrote.
Daily Wire podcast hosts had similar problems with Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene.” As Matt Walsh <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1337-the-most-anti-christian-president-in-history-declares-easter-transgender-day-of-visibility-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on his April 1 show, “What makes this song unique and interesting, which has caused it to resonate over the five decades since it’s been made, is the vulnerability, and the heartbreak, and the longing in the lyrics and the performance.”
He described the woman in Parton’s song as “insecure, fearful” and “desperately in love with a man who she believes she cannot afford to lose.”
Walsh said the insecurity of the main character in Parton’s song is what makes her so relatable. The fact that Beyoncé chose to strip it away made the song demonstrably worse.
“Just when you think that Beyoncé might be growing ever so slightly as an artist and a person, she proves you wrong,” the podcast host added. “It turns out she has taken this song full of pain and yearning and emotional honesty and turned it into yet another mediocre girl boss anthem. She has, in other words, taken everything that makes the song great and replaced it with everything that makes modern pop music terrible.”
Walsh goes on to argue that if the beautiful woman in the song isn’t a worry because Beyoncé is such a perfect, incomparable queen, then the tension and longing in the song is gone, rendering the whole message emotionless and pointless.
Daily Wire host Michael Knowles went even deeper, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1458-the-trans-day-of-visibility1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a> that Beyoncé’s “Jolene” was a statement on how modern society views marriage, divorce, and starting over after two decades of marriage.
“Women have a special power,” Knowles says. “They have a seductive power to them. That’s real. You gotta be on guard, if you’re the wife, if you’re Dolly Parton, or if you’re the husband. We deny all this though. We deny it at our peril. Is it any wonder that the thing that’s supposed to be protected, the marriage, the family, is falling apart?”

Beyoncé Misses The Point With Forgettable ‘Jolene’ Cover

Beyoncé Misses The Point With Forgettable 'Jolene' Cover

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