AJ Rebollo clarifies Bad Wolves departure statement

Former Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has issued a follow-up statement regarding his recent departure from the band, correcting part of his original account surrounding the release of Bad Wolves’ cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

Rebollo announced his exit from Bad Wolves on August 28, citing ongoing disagreements with decisions being made for the band by Better Noise Music. In his original statement, he pointed specifically to the “Jolene” release as the “final nail in the coffin,” claiming the band had opposed moving forward with the track following Parton’s death.

In his new statement, Rebollo acknowledged that his characterization of the band as being united against the release was incorrect and said he did not have all of the information at the time.

“At the end of the day, the band and label did, in fact, have the blessing of Dolly’s team to move forward with the cover, despite the fact that Dolly could no longer be involved, as previously planned,” Rebollo wrote.

He also clarified that Bad Wolves founder John Boecklin had approved the release.

“On top that, John, who is the head of Bad Wolves pertaining to all things business-related, and the contractually-obligated owner of the band, did give the green light to move forward with the release when the time came,” Rebollo said. “This is something that was unknown to me, which inadvertently made my statement regarding the band being a united front in opposing the release, frankly, false.”

Rebollo took responsibility for not gathering additional information before making his initial statement, adding that he could have contacted Better Noise chairman Allen Kovac directly.

“The communication within this band has always been a hinderance, but I also must acknowledge the fact that I dropped the ball on gathering all necessary information,” he wrote. “I will absolutely take full responsibility for that.”

The guitarist stressed that the clarification does not change his decision to leave Bad Wolves, nor does it erase other disagreements he has had with the label.

“I am not retracting my departure,” Rebollo said, while encouraging those upset over the situation to recognize that Parton’s team supported the release.

Rebollo also reiterated that his original statement was never intended to encourage attacks against Bad Wolves or Better Noise.

“I did not intend for this to spark some sort of outright conflict,” he said. “In a time where people tend to see things as black and white in regards to politics, social issues, etc., we should not constantly allow ourselves to be blind to the positives that can undoubtedly coexist among the discourse.”

Bad Wolves released their version of “Jolene” on August 30, with proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton had heard and approved the band’s version before her death and had been planning to add her vocals to the recording, according to her longtime manager Danny Nozell.

Rebollo’s follow-up was accompanied by a statement from Better Noise chairman Allen Kovac, who praised the guitarist for correcting his earlier claims.

“It takes immense courage to publicly stand up, acknowledge a mistake, and set the record straight—especially in today’s fast-paced media landscape,” Kovac said. “I want to fully commend AJ for having the integrity and bravery to address the misinformation regarding the Bad Wolves and Dolly Parton collaboration.”

Kovac added that Rebollo’s clarification allows the focus to return to “honoring a music legend and supporting the incredible work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”

Rebollo concluded his post on a lighter note, writing, “All is well over here. Keep the negativity to yourselves.”