Beyonce Hints at Potential Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson Collabs on Cowboy Carter Tracklist 557

Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson. Francis Specker/CBS ; Getty Images (2)

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Beyoncé is embracing her country music roots as she prepares to release her new album, Cowboy Carter. The iconic singer, 42, unveiled the tracklist for the album via Instagram on Wednesday, March 27, with the official release set for Friday, March 29.

The tracklist includes titles such as “Ameriican Requiem,” “16 Carriages,” “Protector,” “Daughter,” “Spaghetti,” “Desert Eagle,” and “Sweet Honey Buckin.’” Notably, several songs reference legendary country artists Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell. Two tracks, “Dolly P” and “Jolene,” appear to be nods to Parton, with “Jolene” being one of Parton’s most famous songs from 1973. Another track, “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson,” seems to honor the 90-year-old Nelson, while “The Linda Martell Show” pays tribute to Martell, the first Black artist to perform at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

While it is still unclear if these country legends will feature directly on the album or if their influence is merely thematic, the homage is evident.

What to Know About ‘Cowboy Carter’

Beyoncé first teased her foray into country music during the Super Bowl LVIII in February, announcing Cowboy Carter as a follow-up to her 2022 album, Renaissance. The album quickly garnered attention with the release of its first two singles, which topped the charts.

“Today marks the 10-day countdown until the release of Act II,” she wrote on Instagram on March 19. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all 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.”

Beyoncé expressed her gratitude and vision for the future of music, hoping that the discussion of an artist’s race in relation to their genre will become irrelevant. She also shared that Cowboy Carter was inspired by an experience where she felt unwelcome in the industry, leading her to explore the rich history of country music.

The album has received support from country music greats, including Dolly Parton. “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé, and very excited that she’s done a country album,” Parton wrote on social media. “Congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single [with ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’]. Can’t wait to hear the full album!”

Beyoncé’s venture into country music is a significant cultural crossover, reflecting her versatility as an artist and her commitment to exploring and honoring different musical traditions.