Lil Nas X losing it after Dolly Parton comes out to stan for him is so, so wholesome
Lil Nas X at the Met Gala and Dolly Parton at the Country Music Awards. (Getty)
Dolly Parton has professed her love for Lil Nas X’s cover of “Jolene”, and to say the singer-rapper is awestruck would be an understatement.
On 21 September, just days after the release of his debut album Montero, Lil Nas X dropped his stunning BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge cover of Parton’s classic song “Jolene”.
Lil Nas X quickly won praise from fans for his brooding, melancholy version of the song – but it was the kind words of Dolly Parton herself that really sealed the deal.
Writing on Twitter on Wednesday (29 September), Parton said: “I was so excited when someone told me that Lil Nas X had done my song ‘Jolene’.
“I had to find it and listen to it immediately… and it’s really good. Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I’m honoured and flattered.
“I hope he does good for both of us. Thank you Lil Nas X.”
I was so excited when someone told me that Lil Nas X had done my song #Jolene. I had to find it and listen to it immediately…and it's really good. Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I'm honored and flattered. I hope he does good for both of us. Thank you @LilNasX https://t.co/w7vJWGypOp
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 29, 2021
In what is surely one of his most relatable moments yet, Lil Nas retweeted Parton’s praise, simply adding: “HOLY S**T.”
Fans are desperate for Lil Nas X and Dolly Parton to collaborate
Fans were overjoyed to see Lil Nas X and Dolly Parton hitting it off on social media – so naturally, they used their collective power to call for a collaboration.
Many were quick to point out that it wouldn’t exactly be that far outside of the realms of possibility for Lil Nas, who started his career in the country rap genre with “Old Town Road”.
Others just wanted Lil Nas X and Dolly Parton to strike up a friendship for the ages.
You said yoy wanted to do Country again, SO MAKE THIS COLLAB HAPPEN.
please? pic.twitter.com/ugyLNycBWS— Zay (@greenstatic92) September 30, 2021
Explain why this didn’t happen ? pic.twitter.com/WQm1iCoPJX
— thippy (@thippyandreshow) September 30, 2021
Duet please…? pic.twitter.com/cbdmHnXJbi
— Joseph Carreras (@CarrerasJoseph) September 29, 2021
NOT Dolly THEE Parton, first of her name, High Priestess of house of Moderna, shouting out Lil Nas X’s cover of Jolene?! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/C8RmSWcdS0
— Michelle_BYoung (@michelle_byoung) September 29, 2021
https://twitter.com/Homosoyboy/status/1443357889184374788
The incredible exchange between Lil Nas X and Dolly Parton comes just over a week after his cover of “Jolene” broke the internet when it landed dramatically on social media.
Explaining his choice of song, Lil Nas said: “Chose this because I feel like this song is kind of beautifully sad, you know? I like the little country twang, so I was like, ‘Let me try this out.'”
Speaking in the BBC’s Live Lounge, Lil Nas X also reflected on being a role model in the LGBT+ community.
“It feels great, but I guess I take everything with a grain of salt,” he said. “Still, I’m thankful that people see me as an inspiration like that.
“I try not to start living my life by that, like living my life by making sure that people continue to see me as an inspiration.”
