Dolly Parton has come to the defense of the Country Music Association (CMA) following Beyoncé’s exclusion from the 2024 CMA Awards nominations. In a recent interview with Variety, Dolly, whose classic “Jolene” was covered by Beyoncé on her album Cowboy Carter, shared her thoughts on the situation.
Reflecting on the competitive landscape of country music, Dolly stated, “You never know. There are so many wonderful country artists that the country music field probably thought they couldn’t leave out those who spend their whole lives doing this.” She acknowledged the deep talent pool within the genre, suggesting that the nominations may have prioritized established country artists.
Despite Beyoncé’s snub, Dolly praised Cowboy Carter as a “wonderful album,” emphasizing that Beyoncé should be proud of her contributions. “I think everybody in country music welcomed her and thought that was good,” she said, dismissing any notions that the snub was intentional.
Dolly also touched on the presence of both Beyoncé and Post Malone in the country scene, expressing her excitement about collaborating with artists who blur genre lines. “I’m fortunate to have participated in both albums,” she remarked, highlighting the enriching blend of styles they bring to country music. She reaffirmed Beyoncé’s roots, noting, “She’s a country girl in Texas and Louisiana, so she grew up with that base.”
The conversation around Beyoncé’s CMA exclusion is especially significant given the themes in Cowboy Carter, which was inspired by her own experiences of feeling unwelcome in the industry. In her Instagram post, Beyoncé explained that the album emerged from a deeper dive into country music’s history, stemming from her feelings of exclusion.
Dolly Parton’s comments underscore the importance of inclusivity in country music while celebrating the contributions of artists like Beyoncé who challenge traditional norms. Her defense of the CMAs serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of the genre and the need to embrace diverse voices within it.
