Joy Behar praises Beyonce’s version of ‘Jolene’ over the original by Dolly Parton

After Beyoncé released her 2024 version of the 1973 hit Jolene, Joy Behar criticized the original song by Dolly Parton, labeling it as anti-feminist. During an episode of her podcast, The View: Behind The Table, on April 3, 2024, Behar stated,

“I like the subject of Beyoncé taking over the lyrics. Because the original thing with Dolly Parton is so, like, anti-feminist, worrying about some good-looking woman taking your man. If it’s so easy to take your man, then take him.”

Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter, was released on March 29, 2024. Fans and music enthusiasts have been captivated by her rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic 1973 hit, Jolene.

The latest album from the pop sensation features a unique rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic country hit. This version has garnered praise not only from her devoted fan base, but also from Joy Behar.

Joy Behar Prefers Beyonce’s Rendition of Jolene Over Dolly Parton’s

Recently, comedian and television host Joy Behar made a comparison between Beyonce’s version of Jolene and Dolly Parton’s original. During a podcast appearance, she commended Beyonce’s rendition for its change in storyline from the original by Parton.

In the original lyrics, Parton sang about a girl with “auburn hair”and praised her unparalleled beauty. She pleaded with the girl not to steal her boyfriend simply because she could. Parton also expressed her insecurities and how her happiness was tied to Jolene.

At the start of the song, Dolly Parton’s heartfelt plea also serves as the chorus. The lyrics state,

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/I’m beggin’ of you please don’t take my man/Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/Please don’t take him just because you can.”

Beyoncé’s performance of the song included a cautionary message for Jolene, advising her against pursuing Beyoncé’s partner and taking unnecessary risks based on her own beliefs. The lyrics state,

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/I’m warning you, don’t come for my man/Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/Don’t take the chance because you think you can.”

In Parton’s rendition, Jolene’s beauty is portrayed as unmatched, making it impossible for anyone to rival her.

“Your beauty is beyond compare/With flaming locks of auburn hair/With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green/Your smile is like a breath of spring,”she sings. “Your voice is soft like summer rain/And I cannot compete with you, Jolene.”

In her interpretation, Beyoncé asserted that while Jolene’s beauty is apparent in her performance, it is not sufficient to take away what she already possesses.

“You’re beautiful beyond compare/Takes more than beauty and seductive stares/To come between a family and a happy man,”she sings. “Jolene, I’m a woman too/Thе games you play are nothing new/So you don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene.”

Meanwhile, during the podcast episode on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Joy Behar, the 81-year-old actress, also shared her insights on Beyoncé’s performance with The View producer Brian Teta.

“Beyoncé says, if you take my man, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble. I say, go ahead, take my man. Take him.”

Joy Behar mentioned in the same podcast that she played a pivotal role in convincing Dolly Parton to openly express her feminist beliefs on the show. She recounted a specific moment where Parton initially rejected the idea of identifying as a feminist.

Beyoncé’s rendition of Jolene, which includes a special appearance by Parton herself, was also given the green light by the singer. Additionally, Parton has shown her endorsement of Beyoncé’s performance and has openly conveyed her admiration for the unique interpretation.