'I'm a big fan': Dolly Parton welcomes Beyonce to country music
Dolly Parton has welcomed Beyonce to country music with open arms.
Country music icon Dolly Parton has given Beyoncé her seal of approval after she dropped two tracks from her upcoming country album.
The 42-year-old superstar became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with 'Texas Hold 'Em' after it debuted at No.1 on the US chart, and the other track '16 Carriages' has also racked up some impressive streams.
They will feature on 'Renaissance Act II' - the second part of her planned 'Renaissance' trilogy - which will land on March 29.
There has been a big debate surrounding the former Destiny's Child star's foray into country, but the Queen of Country has spoken.
Dolly, 78, shared on social media: "I'm a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she's done a country album.
"So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can't wait to hear the full album!"
Country stars Lainey Wilson and Maren Morris have both praised the tracks, with the former declaring "country music has become cool again".
On the other end, outspoken '212' hitmaker Azealia Banks, went as far as accusing Beyoncé's husband, music mogul Jay-Z, of "bullying" her into doing country music.
The 32-year-old rapper began a rant on her Instagram Stories post: “I love you down, but them R'n'B runs over the Leslie feist back beats is giving Pickmesha.
“Nothing country about it. You’re setting yourself up to be ridiculed again. There’s a theatrical element to country music. Them [country] critics are not just going to accept an ugly blond wig and bullying from Jay-Z. It’s giving big-time musical grift. (sic)"
Referring to country star K. Michelle (aka Puddin), 41, she continued: “Yes, Black girls can make country music, but you’re just really not hitting the button.
“K. Michelle, this is your turn to really execute. It’s no shade, but K. Michelle truly understands the assignment.”
Turns out, Michelle - whose real name is Kimberly Michelle Pate - is fully behind Beyoncé's foray into country.
She posted to X (formerly Twitter): "Y’all been mentioning me all night.
“I’m just happy to be spoken about in my genre. I love Bey and will be supporting her like I always do."
