Bad Wolves Mourns Iconic Dolly Parton While Honoring Her Legacy with New Metal Cover
The metal world is reeling with the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of Dolly Parton, a true icon whose influence rippled through generations. Bad Wolves, a band that thrives on powerful riffs and raw emotion, has joined the legion of fans mourning this colossal loss. The band had recently engaged in discussions with Parton’s management for a collaboration that was poised to become something special.
Just weeks ago, Bad Wolves had completed a heavy metal reimagining of Parton’s timeless classic, “Jolene.” The band’s founder, John Boecklin, shared that the new vocalist, Killboy, is a die-hard Dolly fan and had been posting covers of “Jolene” online. This enthusiasm sparked the idea for a metal rendition that would honor the country legend's legacy. They took the plunge, and the results were nothing short of electrifying; so electrifying, in fact, that Parton herself was set to lend her iconic vocals to the track.
In a statement, Boecklin recounted the band’s excitement upon learning that Parton had listened to their version and loved it. “Our label CEO sent the demo to her manager, and we were thrilled to hear Dolly wanted to work with us,” he said. The devastating news of her passing has left a gaping void, but Bad Wolves vows to carry forward her legacy by donating proceeds from their cover to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that has gifted over 300 million books to children worldwide.
The Imagination Library, founded by Parton in 1995, provides free books to children, fostering a love for reading. This initiative resonates deeply with Boecklin, who expressed the band's commitment to supporting Dolly’s vision of enhancing literacy. “With ‘Jolene,’ we can contribute to something that was so important to her,” he said, emphasizing the profound impact Parton had on countless lives.
As Bad Wolves prepares for the release of “Jolene” on August 31, 2026, they are also gearing up for a headline tour supporting the formidable Skillet this fall. This tour marks Killboy's official debut as the band’s frontwoman, and anticipation is building for her to unleash the new era of Bad Wolves upon the masses. “I can’t wait to finally meet the Wolves!” she exclaimed, ready to join her bandmates in a sonic onslaught that blends legacy with innovation.
With festival-like energy and an array of fan-favorite tracks, Bad Wolves is set to redefine their sound while paying tribute to the past. From kick-off in Schenectady to a grand finale in Inglewood, this tour promises to be a high-octane experience that no metalhead will want to miss. Prepare for a collision of heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and an unforgettable homage to a legend.