Belles and Dolly Parton Unite on Upcoming Single, “Son of Jolene”

Emerging country artist Belles continues the legacy of one of country music’s most iconic songs with the release of “Son of Jolene,” a special collaboration featuring international music legend Dolly Parton, arriving April 17th. The track will impact country radio on May 11th, marking a pivotal milestone ahead of Belles’ highly anticipated debut album, due in 2026.

Inspired by the timeless narrative that captivated generations, Belles penned “Son of Jolene” as a clever, character-driven continuation of the classic story, imagining a chance encounter years later with Jolene’s son. Blending vivid storytelling with a modern country edge, the song honours the spirit of the original track while introducing a fresh perspective.

The collaboration began as a creative spark rooted in admiration. After hearing the track, Parton immediately connected with its concept and recognized it as a natural creative fit. Her enthusiasm ultimately brought the collaboration to life, bridging generations through a shared commitment to great storytelling. PEOPLE debuted an exclusive feature on the song, offering an inside look at the story and inspiration behind the highly anticipated track, calling it “…the equivalent of a musical and generational bridge being built between the two artists.”

Belles shares:

“I grew up so inspired by Dolly and the worlds she created through her songs. Having her lend her voice to this record is beyond anything I could have imagined. It feels like a full-circle moment and a true honour.”

Belles is kicking off promotion for “Son of Jolene” at Country Radio Seminar (March 18th to 20th), hosting exclusive meet-and-greets alongside East Music Row Records for radio and industry executives in an executive suite at the Omni Hotel Nashville. She will also perform six acoustic sets across the three days and host a merchandise giveaway in the suite, along with additional surprises throughout the event.

Arriving on the heels of Belles’ self-titled EP, “Son of Jolene” signals a defining moment in her ascent as an emerging artist. The six-track collection explores themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery, showcasing the emotional depth and range that have become hallmarks of her songwriting. Belles continues to create music that resonates across generations, fueled by the viral success of her breakout single “Crazy As Me,” which sparked a massive surge in social engagement, driving a 400 percent increase in streams and reaching over 30 million views on social media, in excess of two million Spotify streams, and a No. 3 spot on the iTunes Country Chart.

Belles and Dolly Parton “Son of Jolene” single artwork