Beyoncé new album tracklist confirms highly-anticipated Dolly Parton cover

Beyoncé has unveiled the tracklisting for her upcoming album Act II: Cowboy Carter, and as previously rumoured it is set to include a cover of Dolly Parton’s indelible 1973 country hit “Jolene”.

Earlier this month Parton spoke to Knox News about Beyoncé, saying: “I think she’s recorded ‘Jolene’ and I think it’s probably gonna be on her country album, which I’m very excited about that.”

The new record is set to be released on 29 March.

The tracklist also refers to “Dolly P” and “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson”. It is unclear whether these are references to guest appearances by Parton and her fellow country music icon Nelson. The Independent has reached out to Beyoncé’s representatives for confirmation.

The full list of tracks announced today reads: “Ameriican Requiem”, “Blackbiird”, “16 Carriages”, “Protector”, “My Rose”, “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson”, “Texas Hold ‘Em”, “Bodyguard”, “Dolly P”, “Jolene”, “Daughter”, “Spaghetti”, “Alliigator Tears”, “Smoke Hour II”, “Just For Fun”, “II Most Wanted”, “Levii’s Jeans”, “Flamenco”, “The Linda Martell Show”, “Ya Ya”, “Oh Louisiana”, “Desert Eagle”, “Riiverdance”, “II Hands II Heaven”, “Tyrant”, “Sweet Honey Buckin’” and “Amen”.

One notable title is “The Linda Martell Show”, which seemingly refers to the 82-year-old musical pioneer who became one of the first commercially successful black female artists in country music and the first to play legendary Nashville venue the Grand Ole Opry.

Earlier this month, Beyoncé, 42, hit back at critics of her decision to record a new album inspired by country music, saying “the criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me”.

In a statement posted to her website, she wrote: “Today marks the 10-day countdown until the release of act ii. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the supporters of TEXAS HOLD ‘EM and 16 CARRIAGES. I feel honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. That would not have happened without the outpouring of support from each and every one of you. My hope is that years from now, the mention of an artist’s race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant.

“This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive. It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.

“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.

“I have a few surprises on the album, and have collaborated with some brilliant artists who I deeply respect. I hope that you can hear my heart and soul, and all the love and passion that I poured into every detail and every sound.

“I focused on this album as a continuation of RENAISSANCE…I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop.

“This ain’t a Country album. This is a “Beyoncé” album. This is act ii COWBOY CARTER, and I am proud to share it with y’all!”

Beyoncé first announced the new album at the same time as surprise releasing two country songs during the Super Bowl, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”.