Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene” has stood the test of time, with its unforgettable lyrics and tune cementing its status as a cornerstone of country music.
But a recent development has sent shockwaves through the genre. Beyoncé’s venture into country music via her album “Cowboy Carter,” especially Jolene rendition by Beyonce, has thrust the song back into the limelight.
However, a wave of controversy has erupted, sparked by Joy Behar , one of The View’s co-hosts . During a podcast episode of the show, Behar stirred up a storm by labeling the original “Jolene” as “anti-feminist.”
Her precise words? “I mean, it’s so, like, anti-feminist, worrying about some good-looking woman taking your man.”
This sparked a vigorous discussion, and country music enthusiasts eagerly awaited a reply – from Reba McEntire , Dolly Parton’s longtime confidante and another luminary in country music.
Reba McEntire Rides to the Rescue (Well, Sort Of)
Enter Reba McEntire , a country music titan and Dolly Parton’s confidante for decades. With the “Jolene” debate raging, all eyes turned to McEntire for her take.
True to her reputation for grace under fire, McEntire downplayed the controversy when a reporter directly questioned her about Behar’s comments.
The conversation, as reported, went like this:
The reporter first asked about Beyoncé’s impact on country music. McEntire’s response was effusive: “ Oh, lot’s of great things,” she said. “I think she is wonderful and am glad to have her in country. ”
The reporter then shifted gears, mentioning that Behar preferred Beyoncé’s version because Parton’s original was “ anti-feminist. ”
This apparently struck a humorous chord with McEntire, who immediately started laughing. “ What do you think about that? ” the reporter pressed.
McEntire’s reply, still laced with amusement, was a simple, “ It’s a beautiful day isn’t it? ”
The reporter managed one more question before McEntire hopped into her vehicle, asking her if she preferred one version of “ Jolene ” over the other.
Her answer? A firm “ No, ” followed by a goodbye and a shut door.
McEntire’s lighthearted response and clear support for Beyoncé highlight her reputation for easygoing humor and inclusivity within the genre.
Why Can Behar’s Comments Be Perceived Partially Wrong? A Complete Interpretation!
While Joy Behar’s criticism of “Jolene” being “ anti-feminist ” has started a big talk, the song stays popular because it connects with people on different levels . Beyond just a woman asking another woman to stay away from her man, “Jolene” talks about many feelings.
The song is surely about jealousy and insecurity in a relationship; this isn’t where the disagreement arises. However, this isn’t the only thing the song is about!
The singer talks directly to Jolene about being afraid of losing her partner to someone who seems prettier. This is something a lot of people can understand.
Even though the song shows vulnerability, it also shows how strong women can be. The singer doesn’t get mean or blame Jolene. Instead, she asks her to stay away, showing strength even when feeling threatened.
Some people see the song as discussing women’s desires. The singer focuses on Jolene’s beauty, which might mean she wants those same qualities.
Moreover, it can also be seen how society has set specific beauty standards, and women often have to adjust themselves according to these standards!
Also, fans have wondered if Dolly’s version is anti-feminist, according to Joy Behar, and then how Beyonce’s version is not. Because instead of taking a stand against her cheating husband, the woman is warning and insulting Jolene, as seen in the discussion below!
The data table below shows the original Jolene’s popularity and how well it connected with many audiences!
Statistic | Fact |
---|---|
Chart Performance (US Billboard Hot 100) | Peaked at #60 |
Chart Performance (US Hot Country Songs) | Reached #2 |
Awards | Won Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (1975) |
Sales Certification (RIAA) | Gold tier (over 500,000 units sold) |
Feminism and the Evolution of “Jolene”
Feminism keeps changing, and how people see “Jolene” changes with it. The song was written at a different time, so it might not match today’s ideas about feminism perfectly.
However, some think the song still talks about women’s feelings and struggles in a way that connects with feminists today.
The main thing to remember is that “Jolene” talks about many different things. Even though Behar’s criticism got people talking, it’s essential to see how rich the song’s themes are and how they still matter to people over time.
The Public Weighs In – A Twitter Take
Fans weren’t really happy with Behar’s remarks. Dolly Parton’s fans believed that her version was a timeless classic, and it shouldn’t have been insulted in such a manner!
Behar’s Counter-Response – Was It Sorted Out? (Or Heated Up?)
The “Jolene” drama took a surprising turn when Joy Behar discussed the controversy on The View. It all started with Behar’s comments on The View’s podcast “Behind The Table,” where she called the original “Jolene” “anti-feminist”.
Behar quickly explained herself. She mentioned that TMZ talked about her podcast comments, and Reba McEntire’s funny response got much attention.
Behar also clarified that she really likes Dolly Parton, saying, “ I love Dolly, she’s fantastic “.
But she didn’t change her mind about the song. She said, “ this particular song is like, ‘I’m beggin’ you, please don’t take my man.’ It just strikes me funny. “
Adding more to the story, Behar said she knows where “Jolene” came from. She said it’s based on a real-life situation where Dolly Parton saw a woman flirting with her husband at a bank. We don’t know if this is true, but it shows how Behar tries to explain the song.
Behar still likes Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene,” which she thinks changes the “anti-feminist” idea. She finds it funny that the original song is about keeping a man, while Beyoncé’s version is more assertive.
We don’t know if this is a fun talk or a real argument yet. However, one thing is clear: people are still talking about “Jolene,” and social media is buzzing with reactions to Behar’s latest comments.
So, what do you think about this whole drama?
Conclusion
- Joy Behar ignited a debate by calling Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” “anti-feminist” on her podcast.
- Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton’s close friend, downplayed the controversy with humor.
- The song explores themes like jealousy, female strength, and desire, sparking discussions on feminism and its evolution.
- Despite the debate, “Jolene” remains a beloved song, showcasing the enduring power of music.
- The situation underscores the strong bond between Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, a hallmark of country music.
- Behar cleared up the controversy. However, she stays firm on her remarks that she finds the song anti-feminist, but not Dolly!