"Son of Jolene" debuts on Billboard's Country Digital Song Sales chart, missing the top 10 as it launches at No. 11 — and tying the original "Jolene" in the process. 1974: Country singer Dolly Parton performs onstage with an acoustic guitar in circa 1974. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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Typically, when Dolly Parton works with other musicians and credits them on songs, they are similarly well known. Throughout her decades as a superstar, the country legend has partnered with dozens of acts, both groups and soloists, and scored many, many hits thanks to her collaborations.
From time to time, Parton has been known to team up with rising talents in the music industry, putting her stamp of approval on their wares, and in some instances, helping them score either their first Billboard chart hit or perhaps the tune that allows them to break out. Parton is back with a new bestseller in America, and as her latest collaboration, “Son of Jolene” arrives – the song is fronted by country artist Belles – it earns her yet another smash.
“Son of Jolene” only reaches the Country Digital Song Sales chart, Billboard’s list of the bestselling tracks in that one style throughout the United States. Only purchases on platforms like iTunes and Amazon are counted, while CD singles and short vinyl efforts, which have become big business again in this highly collectible world, are excluded entirely. “Son of Jolene” launches at No. 11, narrowly missing out on giving both artists a top 10 hit.
While it looks like Belles lands on not only the Country Digital Song Sales chart, but any Billboard tally for the first time, Parton is nearing two dozen wins on the list. That grouping includes eight top 10s and a trio of No. 1s.
Amazingly, Parton didn’t hit the summit on the Country Digital Song Sales chart until last year. In May of 2025, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” a tribute to her husband of decades, who had recently passed away, launched in the penthouse. Later that year, Parton joined Zac Brown Band on “Butterfly,” which similarly spent one week ruling.
Earlier in 2026, Parton released a brand new version of her single “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” turning it into a star-studded affair, and a No. 1. The track, originally shared in 1977, was re-recorded to include vocals from Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, and Parton’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. All five artists came together and surged to No. 1 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart back in January.
“Son of Jolene” ties with two other singles by Parton by missing out on breaking into the top 10 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart by just one spot. Coincidentally, the original “Jolene,” which debuted on the roster in 2016, rose as high as No. 11 – but no higher – in early 2019. “When Life Is Good Again” is another near-miss for the singer-songwriter.
Belles wrote “Son of Jolene” as something of a sequel and answer to “Jolene,” Parton’s original, which dropped in 1973. In the decades since, “Jolene” has come to be regarded as one of the best-written country tracks of all time and a standout in Parton’s discography. The fact that she joined this composition is surely to thank for its success.
Five tracks debut on the Country Digital Song Sales chart this week, with arrivals filling one-third of the available 15 slots. “Son of Jolene” is one of the lower-ranking new tunes, and it beats only “Black Water Dammed” by an AI music project.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 05: Miley Cyrus attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
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The highest-rising new entry comes from Cyrus and Wilson, who scored a No. 1 alongside Parton earlier this year. A brand new version of “Younger You,” which Cyrus wrote and recorded for the Hannah Montana twentieth anniversary special, brings it to the country tally for the first time. New cuts by Cody Johnson and Riley Green, as well as a comeback by Ella Langley, all settle in just ahead of both Belles and Parton.
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