Confronted with Joy Behar’s critique of Dolly Parton‘s renowned hit “Jolene,” Reba McEntire deftly sidestepped the issue with humor and grace. Her reaction was indirect but spoke volumes about her stance on the matter.
The topic emerged amidst debates surrounding Beyoncé’s recent foray into the country genre with her album, Cowboy Carter, which features a cover of Parton’s 1973 signature tune. The album has been a hot topic since dropping on March 29, provoking comments from multiple celebrities.
TV personality Joy Behar shared her perspective on Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene” during the Behind the Table podcast tied to her show, The View, on April 3. While she expressed enjoyment of Beyoncé’s interpretation, Behar leveled a critical view at Parton’s original version for what she perceived as its anti-feminist message.
Parton, known for her hit “9 to 5” and recognized as a feminist, received an interesting claim to feminism acknowledgment from Behar, who insinuated she helped Parton embrace the label.
Beyoncé’s updated “Jolene” morphs the original plea into an empowered warning, as she cautions Jolene against pursuing her man.
Caught by a TMZ correspondent on April 4, McEntire chuckled when asked about Behar’s opinions on “Jolene,” remarking on the weather rather than the question at hand. She also remained neutral on the subject of song version preference.
Parton, on her part, couldn’t seem more pleased with Beyoncé’s adaptation, commending the update with enthusiasm.
Read more about Reba McEntire’s take on another pop culture discussion:
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FAQ
What is Reba McEntire’s reaction to Joy Behar’s opinion on “Jolene”?
Reba McEntire responded with a laugh and chose not to directly address Joy Behar’s critique of “Jolene.” Instead, she remarked on the weather and avoided stating a preference for either the original or Beyoncé’s cover version.
What did Joy Behar say about Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”?
Joy Behar called the original song anti-feminist, expressing discomfort with the notion of a woman pleading not to have her man taken away by someone more attractive. She also mentioned that she helped Dolly Parton acknowledge her feminism.
How did Beyoncé alter the lyrics of “Jolene” for her cover?
Beyoncé changed the song’s tone from a plea to a warning, telling the titular character not to pursue her man and cautioning her against taking the chance.
What has been Dolly Parton’s response to Beyoncé’s cover of “Jolene”?
Dolly Parton has praised Beyoncé for her rendition, endorsing the updated lyrics and expressing support for the newer version of the song.
Conclusion
This recent dialogue among music icons highlights the ongoing evolution of classic songs. Reba McEntire’s jovial response to Joy Behar’s critique showcases her tactful disengagement from potentially divisive topics. The broader conversation illustrates how reinterpretations can breathe new life and perspectives into time-honored tracks, fostering generational connections and cultural conversations around music and its underlying themes.