Bad Wolves have released a new version of their “Jolene” cover, now with Dolly Parton’s own vocals, through Better Noise Music. The recording was made with the support and approval of the Estate of Dolly Parton, and as with the original cover released on August 31, proceeds go to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and its work on early childhood literacy.
Stream “Jolene” (with Dolly Parton) here.
How Dolly’s Voice Reached the Track
Before Parton’s passing in August, Bad Wolves shared their heavy take on her 1974 hit with Dolly and her team. After the first version came out, her team supplied previously recorded vocal stems, which her longtime producer Kent Wells mixed into this release. Earlier this month, the band and Better Noise Music joined Dolly’s team at NOZ Studios to hear the finished track together for the first time.
That session inspired the band to pay it forward. They invited students from Nashville’s School of Rock to perform alongside them in the official video.
“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.”
John Boecklin, Bad Wolves
“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.”
Allen Kovac, Better Noise Music chairman
Angie McCreight, owner of the Nashville School of Rock, said the students were thrilled to take part, adding that “Dolly Parton will always be a ROCKSTAR at the Nashville School of Rock.”
About the Imagination Library
Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. It is now the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, mailing more than 3 million books a month to children’s homes in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland. Every enrolled child gets one free book a month from birth to age five, and the program has gifted more than 300 million books so far. Every stream and download of “Jolene” puts more books in children’s hands. Find out more at imaginationlibrary.com.
A New Era for Bad Wolves
John Boecklin founded Bad Wolves in 2018, and the Nashville-based band quickly broke through with a triple-platinum single, two gold singles and six No. 1 radio hits, plus tours with Papa Roach, Volbeat and Hollywood Undead. In 2026 they welcomed new vocalist KILLBOY, whose versions of “Jolene” helped spark the original cover, and they recently released the single “Paint It Red.” The band says 2027 will be a big year.
Our Take
Heavy covers of pop and country classics are everywhere, but this one has a purpose behind it. Hearing Parton’s voice over Bad Wolves’ riffs is a genuinely moving tribute, and putting young musicians in the video fits the spirit of a charity built around children. It is the rare cover that is worth streaming twice.
