The 'I'm a Survivor' singer shares her opinion about 'The View' co-host criticizing the original 'Jolene' song following the release of Beyonce Knowles' cover.
- Apr 7, 2024
AceShowbiz - Comedian Joy Behar recently sparked a debate by criticizing the original "Jolene" by Dolly Parton as "anti-feminist." Reba McEntire, a country music icon, responded to Behar's comments with amusement while hinting at her disagreement.
Behar expressed a preference for Beyonce's cover of "Jolene," arguing that it was more empowering for women. She stated that Parton's version portrayed women as "weak" and "self-sacrificing."
"I like the subject of Beyonce taking over the lyrics," Behar said in a recent episode of "The View," adding that she didn't like the original lyrics which have Parton "worrying about some good-looking woman taking [her] man." The host claimed, "If it's so easy to take your man, then take him."
In contrast, she praised Beyonce's message, "Beyonce says, if you take my man, you're going to be in a lot of trouble. I say, go ahead, take my man. Take him."
In an interview, McEntire addressed Behar's remarks. She dismissed them as "pretty hilarious" and welcomed Beyonce's entry into the country music genre. She praised Beyonce as a talented artist and expressed her belief that everyone in the industry was pleased to have her.
While Parton hasn't responded to Behar's remarks, she once said in an interview about whether she's a feminist. "Does being feminine make me a feminist? Does being common make me a communist?" she said. "I don't like labels, but I'm a woman and I'm very supportive of women. I love men, don't get me wrong - I've always had them in my home - but I think we all should be able to express ourselves."
McEntire's response highlights the differing perspectives on the interpretation of Parton's classic song. While Behar views it as problematic, McEntire sees it as a beloved and timeless piece of music. The debate has sparked conversations about feminism and the portrayal of women in popular culture.
