Country music icon Dolly Parton is making headlines with an unexpected collaboration, joining forces with rising Nashville singer-songwriter Belles on a new track titled "Son of Jolene." The song is described as a "clever" continuation of Parton's timeless 1973 hit "Jolene," and is set to drop on April 17.

Belles, the 26-year-old artist behind the concept, penned "Son of Jolene" as a character-driven narrative, imagining a chance encounter years later with Jolene's son. The lyrics explore a new perspective, suggesting the son inherited his mother's striking looks and a tendency to disrespect others' relationships. Parton herself was impressed, telling PEOPLE, "When I heard 'Son of Jolene,' I thought it was very clever. No one had ever thought of it that way."

The collaboration is a dream come true for Belles, who shared her excitement in a statement: "I grew up so inspired by Dolly and the worlds she created through her songs. Having her lend her voice to this record is beyond anything I could have imagined. It feels like a full-circle moment and a true honor." Belles has been teasing the upcoming release on Instagram, even sharing her emotional reaction to hearing Parton's vocals on the track for the first time. This highly anticipated single will precede Belles' debut album, expected later in 2026.