Bad Wolves have released a new version of their cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” featuring previously recorded vocals from the country music icon. The track is available now through Better Noise Music, with proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The new recording builds on Bad Wolves’ original cover, released August 31, incorporating Parton’s vocals with the support and approval of her estate. The vocal recordings were newly mixed for the release by Parton’s longtime producer Kent Wells.
According to the band, they had shared their original rendition of the 1974 hit with Parton and her team before her passing. Following the initial release, her team helped bring the collaboration together by providing the previously recorded vocal tracks.
An accompanying music video features young musicians from Nashville’s School of Rock performing alongside Bad Wolves.
“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,” said Bad Wolves’ John Boecklin.
The release supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a nonprofit literacy initiative established in 1995 that provides free books to children from birth to age five. The program has distributed more than 300 million books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.
Better Noise Music chairman Allen Kovac encouraged other musicians to support the initiative.
“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,” he said.
The new version of “Jolene” follows a period of lineup changes for Bad Wolves, who welcomed vocalist KILLBOY in 2026 and previously released the single “Paint It Red.”
“Jolene” featuring Dolly Parton is available now on streaming platforms, with the official music video also available to watch.
Watch the video below.
