BAD WOLVES To Honor DOLLY PARTON With Their Version Of 'Jolene'

BAD WOLVES join millions of fans around the world in mourning the sudden passing of the one and only Dolly Parton, whose legacy has touched generations of artists and fans globally.

In a poignant turn of events, BAD WOLVES were recently in discussions with Parton's management team about a special collaboration. Just weeks ago, the band had recorded a heavy metal version of the singer's iconic hit "Jolene", and Parton herself was planning to contribute her signature vocals to the recording.

BAD WOLVES founder, drummer and songwriter John Boecklin states: "Our singer is a big fan of Dolly and had posted a bunch of videos of her covering 'Jolene'. So, we decided to make a heavy metal cover version for our next album. On hearing our version, our label CEO Dan Waite sent the finished demo to Dolly's manager, Danny Nozell, with a request for Dolly to guest feature on our version. We heard back that Danny had played the track to Dolly, and that Dolly loved our version, and that Dolly was going to go into the studio and add her vocals very soon. We then sent over the stems for Dolly's studio engineers to work with. Like everyone, we were devastated of this week's news of Dolly's passing. We will honor Dolly's incredible legacy by donating proceeds from 'Jolene' to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."

According to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, they have given away over 300 million books to children around the world.

Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation; a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring a love of reading in children around the world. The program provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth to age five, regardless of family income, mailing each book directly to the child's home. Today, the program mails more than three million books to children each month.

Boecklin continued: "With 'Jolene', we are proud to help deliver critical funding to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. We know that we can contribute to Dolly's vision of giving access to books and improving literacy."

In closing, Boecklin offered condolences on behalf of the band: "Our thoughts are with Dolly's extended family, manager Danny Nozell and all of the many thousands of people she touched in her extraordinary life who are grieving her passing."

"Jolene" by BAD WOLVES will be released on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Eight and a half years ago, BAD WOLVES released their cover of THE CRANBERRIES' "Zombie" only four days after the January 2018 passing of the latter band's frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan, with all proceeds from track donated to her three children. THE CRANBERRIES' singer was set to record her vocals on the song the day of her tragic death.

The surviving members of THE CRANBERRIES — whose 2019 album "In The End" featured posthumous vocals from O'Riordan — told ABC New Radio that they didn't care for BAD WOLVES' version of "Zombie".

"[I] didn't really like it," drummer Fergal Lawler said. "It wasn't my cup of tea."

Compounding matters, guitarist Noel Hogan said that he felt BAD WOLVES' cover was released "a bit too soon. For my liking, anyway," he explained.

"The whole thing seemed insensitive or something," Lawler added.

BAD WOLVES issued their new single and music video "Paint It Red" via Better Noise Music at the top of the summer. It served as the band's first release of 2026 and the opening salvo for new singer Sara "Killboy" Skinner, who made her fiery debut as the band's new vocalist with the track.

Regarding the onset of this chapter, Boecklin commented: "When we started looking for the next voice of BAD WOLVES, we weren't looking for someone to fill a spot; we were looking for someone who could help push this band into its next chapter.

"The first time I heard Sara sing, I knew she was different," he continued. "She has an incredible voice, undeniable presence, and the kind of versatility that allows us to take our songwriting to places we've never gone before. Beyond the talent, she's brought a renewed energy and excitement into this band.

"Sara isn't here to recreate the past, she's here to help us build the future," he added. "We couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the BAD WOLVES family and for everyone to hear what we've been working on together."

BAD WOLVES 2026 is:

Derek Bolman - Bass
AJ Rebollo - Guitar
Sara "Killboy" Skinner - Vocals
John Boecklin - Drums

BAD WOLVES continue to break all of the rules, merging mind-numbing riffs and rhythms with massive, stadium-size melodies. This uncanny fusion of finesse and fire has quietly cemented the Nashville-based band as a multi-platinum powerhouse. Founded by Boecklin in 2018, the quartet shows no signs of stopping or slowing down either. Thus far, they have garnered a three-times-platinum single and two gold singles in addition to scoring six No. 1 entries at radio and gathering billions of streams. Beyond acclaim from Billboard, Outburn, Loudwire, and more, the group has stood out as a presence versatile enough to collaborate with either DAUGHTRY or ICE NINE KILLS. Beyond touring with PAPA ROACH, VOLBEAT, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD and more, they have sold out successive headline tours. Welcoming Killboy on the microphone in 2026, they blow the hinges off on their next era with the new single "Paint It Red" — with much more to come.

Photo credit: Evan Aparicio