Reba McEntire Defends Dolly Parton After Joy Behar Insult

Reba McEntire jumped to good friend Dolly Parton’s defense after The View co-host Joy Behar insulted the country music icon. Why would the journalist have anything negative to say about the “9 to 5” singer? Keep reading for all the details on the feud.

Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire/Credit: Reba McEntire YouTube

The View Co-Host Shades Dolly Parton

Pop singer Beyoncé released her first country album last month to mixed reviews. One of the tracks on the Cowboy Carter is a cover of Dolly Parton’s major hit “Jolene.” Beyoncé didn’t stay with the original lyrics, however. Dolly’s version begs Jolene not to take her man. Beyoncé’s version takes a more aggressive approach, practically daring Jolene to even try.

Beyoncé’s version opens with the verse, “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/I’m warning you, don’t come for my man.”

Some diehard Dolly Parton fans were offended that the R&B singer changed the lyrics. However, Joy Behar thought the new lyrics were actually better than the original. The co-host of ABC’s The View said, “I like the subject of Beyoncé taking over the lyrics,” on a podcast this week.

Joy Behar-YouTube

Joy Behar-YouTube

She added, “I just think that the original thing with Dolly Parton is so, like, anti-feminist, worrying about some good-looking woman taking your man.”

Many fans took to social media to defend Dolly Parton against the claim.

Reba McEntire Defends Her Friend After Joy Behar Insult

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton have been friends since the 1980s or longer. The blonde bombshell even made a guest appearance on Reba’s self-named sitcom, Reba. Maybe she will make a cameo on Reba’s upcoming NBC show.

TMZ reporters caught up with Reba McEntire to ask her about Joy Behar’s comment about Dolly Parton. The “Fancy” singer simply laughed and said, “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

The reporter pressed Reba more, asking if she had a favorite “Jolene” cover – Dolly’s or Beyoncé’s. The Voice coach again took the high road again with a “Nope,” as she walked away. Watch the interaction between Reba McEntire and TMZ:

Not Everyone Is A Fan Of Beyoncé Covering “Jolene”

Joy Behar may be a fan of Beyoncé’s lyrics changes, but not everyone is on board. British singer and actress Lily Allen isn’t a fan. She spoke out about the cover, saying it “wasn’t good.”

She added, “It’s very weird that you cover the most successful songs in that genre.”

What do you think about Joy Behar’s diss of Dolly Parton’s version of “Jolene”? Share your thoughts in the comments.