Belles & Dolly Parton’s ‘Son of Jolene’ Debuts on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart

Belles & Dolly Parton’s ‘Son of Jolene’ Debuts on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart

Belles and Dolly Parton’s “Son of Jolene” has made its debut on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, entering at No. 51 on the ranking dated Sept. 12. The song registered 1.3 million in radio audience impressions during the Aug. 28-Sept. 3 tracking period, marking a 68% increase from the previous week, according to Luminate.

The debut gives Belles, the Nashville singer-songwriter born Kelli Belles, her first appearance on the Country Airplay chart. She co-wrote “Son of Jolene” with Tyler Bank and Dan Harrison as a sequel to Parton’s classic “Jolene,” which topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 1974.

The song was brought to Parton through her longtime producer Kent Wells. After hearing Belles’ concept, Parton agreed to contribute vocals to the track, creating a direct connection between the new song and the original “Jolene.” “Son of Jolene” was released April 17, 2026, through East Music Row Records.

“Son of Jolene” had already appeared on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart, where it debuted and peaked at No. 11 in May. It also reached No. 33 on the U.K. Official Singles Downloads chart and No. 80 on the U.K. Official Singles Sales chart.

The Country Airplay arrival comes shortly after Parton’s death on Aug. 25 at age 80. Following her death, Belles shared a message expressing gratitude for having had the opportunity to work with the country icon. “Son of Jolene” is also being recognized as Parton’s final new recording released during her lifetime.

Parton’s original “Jolene” has remained one of the defining recordings of her career. The song first appeared in 1973 and became her second No. 1 country single, while continuing to generate new interpretations and collaborations decades later.

With its latest Country Airplay debut, “Son of Jolene” now gives Belles her first Billboard radio-chart entry while extending the chart presence of a song connected directly to one of Parton’s most recognizable recordings.

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