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Dolly Parton applauds Lil Nas X's cover of 'Jolene': 'I love him'

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 9/30/21

Lil Nas X can do no wrong.

The 22-year-old rapper and singer-songwriter covered Dolly Parton's evergreen hit "Jolene" for the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge last week:

Parton heard about the performance and "had to find it and listen to it immediately," and to put it lightly, the country music goddess approves:

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

"It's really good," the 75-year-old tweeted, in part. "Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I'm honored and flattered. I hope he does good for both of us."

Nas predictably freaked out.

"Jolene" was originally released in late 1973 and served as the title track on Parton's 13th solo studio album. The single is an inductee into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

Lil Nas X is riding high in every way imaginable after the release of his debut solo studio album Montero on Sept. 17. The project has 11 entries in this week's Billboard Hot 100, including "Industry Baby" featuring Jack Harlow at No. 2, "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" at No. 9 and "That's What I Want" at No. 10.

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