Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Snub

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

As a long-time fan of Beyoncé, I must say that her latest album, “Renaissance,” is nothing short of breathtaking. The way she effortlessly blends her own voice with iconic tracks like Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and pays homage to her own journey as a mother in songs like “Protector,” truly showcases her artistic prowess.


Dolly Parton’s begging the Beyhive, please don’t come for the CMAs.

78-year-old artist, whose classic tune “Jolene” was reinterpreted by Beyoncé on her successful album “Cowboy Carter“, voiced her opinions about the omission of this genre-blending record from the 2024 CMA Awards nominations.

In her interview with Variety on September 17th, Parton expressed, “You just never know what might happen. There are so many exceptional country artists who have dedicated their entire lives to this genre. It seems like they might be wondering if we can really overlook some of them.

Speaking about Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, Dolly Parton commented, “She should be incredibly proud of this release, and I believe the entire country music community embraced it positively. It wasn’t a deliberate exclusion on anyone’s part; rather, it was a reflection of the typical trends in country charts and artist performances.

Talking about Beyoncé and Post Malone’s ventures into the country genre, Parton expressed gratitude for being involved in both projects and remains open to further collaborations in the future.

When it comes to Queen Bey’s credentials in the realm of country music, Parton noted that Beyoncé’s past accomplishments are undeniable.

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

Growing up in Texas and Louisiana, she’s deeply rooted in the country lifestyle, which is reflected in her music,” Parton explained. “She didn’t suddenly appear without a background. Post Malone has been passionate about country music for years, and our collaboration on his album further showcases this love. I believe both albums are excellent.

It was quite significant that Beyoncé wasn’t recognized at the Country Music Association Awards, given that the inspiration for her hit album “Cowboy Carter” stemmed from a past instance of exclusion, which many fans believe may have been related to the criticism she faced following her 2016 performance at the same awards ceremony.

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

In a post on Instagram in March, she expressed that her project stemmed from an old experience where she didn’t feel included or welcomed. However, this unfavorable encounter led her to delve more profoundly into the historical background of Country music and explore its extensive musical heritage.

For more from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, read on. 

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

In the debut track of “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé openly expresses herself, seeming to address the criticism that arose following her performance at the 2016 CMA Awards.

She expresses in her song, “People used to criticize my speech as being ‘too rural,’ and they claimed I wasn’t ‘country enough.’ But if that’s not country, then tell me, what is? I’ve walked with bare feet on solid ground for years, and they don’t understand the struggles I had to endure to achieve this.

As an over-the-moon fan, I couldn’t help but catch wind that during the CMA Awards, they seemed to remove footage of my all-time favorite act, The Chicks, and I performing together. But in a statement exclusively given to TopMob News, the organization cleared the air, letting me know it was just a promotional clip they took down instead.

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

Apart from simply reworking Dolly Parton’s popular song “Jolene,” making it a personal statement with the lyrics, “Jolene, I’m a woman too / The tricks you play are nothing new / So you don’t want any trouble with me, Jolene,” the Grammy winner not only claimed the song as her own but also enlisted Dolly Parton for an interlude that subtly referenced another famous character – “Becky with the good hair.

Hello Miss Honey B, it’s Dolly P speaking here. You know that woman with the stunning tresses you often mention in your songs? She brought to mind someone from my past. While she sported auburn locks instead of red, there was an uncanny resemblance – bless her heart. Despite the difference in hair color, the pain remains equally profound.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but echo Beyoncé’s words with an emphasis on the message she sent out: “However, if you’re not ready for the heat, then aim at someone less intense – take my advice.

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

In this particular performance at the event, the 32-time Grammy award recipient expressed her surprise and noticed omission in the 2024 Grammys: The absence of her album Renaissance from winning the Album of the Year category.

To put it another way, on that particular evening, as her spouse, Jay-Z, stepped onto the stage, he felt compelled to draw attention to it immediately – a moment she’s quick to emphasize.

She croons, “A-O-T-Y, I haven’t triumphed yet (Let’s move on) / I’m not boasting about it,” she continues. “Swallow that pride/ Return stronger and conquer again (Indeed).

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

One of her softer hits, “Protector,” begins with her daughter, Rumi, inquiring about a lullaby. (or) In one of her more melodious tracks, “Protector” starts off with Rumi, her daughter, questioning a lullaby.

The artist, who is not only a singer but also the mother of Rumi’s twin brother (named Sir) and their eldest sibling (Blue Ivy), ponders her role as a mom. “Destined to be a guardian, yes indeed / Though I understand one day you’ll outshine on your own.

She remarks, ‘I’m like a projector, yes, yes, and an apricot plucked straight from the tree.’ ‘I nourished the soil with water,’ she says, ‘and now it sustains me, indeed, indeed (Indeed).’ ‘And there you are, hidden under its canopy,’ she adds. ‘I take pride in myself because I am needed by you.’

Why Dolly Parton Is Defending CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub

Completing her 27-track album, we find “Amen,” a song that brings listeners full circle to the initial promise of fresh beginnings and creating a unique personal journey.

In my perspective as a lifestyle guide, I’d rephrase it like this: “I’ll help cleanse the past mistakes, we’ll let go of the antiquated notions, these very grounds shall bear their burial – ‘American Requiem’ is the song that echoes this.

Read More

2024-09-18 14:48