Dolly Parton just gave Beyoncé her seal of approval. The country music star took to Instagram on February 22 to congratulate Queen Bey for becoming the first Black woman to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
"I'm a huge Beyoncé fan and so excited for her to make a country album," Parton wrote in the message. "Congratulations on your #1 Billboard Hot Country Single. Can't wait to hear the full album! Love you, Dolly."
The note comes about two weeks after Beyoncé left the Beyhive, dropping two country songs ("Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages") during the 2024 Super Bowl and announcing the release of her upcoming Country album released. "Texas Hold 'Em" quickly topped Billboard's Hot Country chart with 19.2 million plays and 39,000 copies sold. "16 Carriages" also entered the top ten, ranking ninth.
Fans were quick to praise Parton for her support, with one fan commenting on Instagram: "Legend supporting Legend!" Another user wrote: "Another example of Dolly respecting everyone."
Bey's successful foray into country comes after Oklahoma-based country radio station KYKC recently faced backlash from fans, reportedly refusing to play "Texas Hold 'Em" when it was first released. The station later clarified on Facebook that they "actually don't have" the song, adding, "Now we do. Love it."
Dolly eager to collaborate with Beyoncé
Parton's congratulatory message comes months after she expressed interest in the Beyoncé duet. The country star was asked about recording a cover of her 1973 hit "Jolene" with Bey in a November 2023 interview with Etalk.
"Oh, that would be great," she responded, adding that she might record a new album "just for that reason." When the host said Beyoncé might agree to collaborate, Parton joked, "She might... if not, I'm going to drag her down and make her sing."
