DYK Dolly Parton Once Wanted K-Pop Band BTS for a ‘Jolene’ Collaboration?

Following the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton at age 80 on August 25, an old social media post featuring K-pop icons BTS has resurfaced online, leaving millions of fans emotional. The 2019 tweet, in which Parton publicly floated the idea of a collaboration with the global pop sensation, has re-emerged as fans reflect on her sprawling musical legacy and one of pop culture’s most intriguing "what if" moments. Dolly Parton Dies: Country Music Icon, Singer, and Actress Dead at 80.

Dolly Parton Wanted to Work with BTS?

The unexpected connection between the country music icon and the South Korean boy band traces back to the 2019 Grammy Awards. During the ceremony, Parton performed a live rendition of her 1973 hit "Jolene" alongside her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.

Camera cuts to the audience, which caught all seven members of BTS RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook enthusiastically dancing and singing along to the performance. The clip of the K-pop group enjoying country music quickly went viral across social media.

Shortly after the awards show, Parton acknowledged the group's excitement by re-sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter). She captioned the clip with a direct proposition: "Maybe my next #Jolene collab will be with @BTS_twt? What do y'all think? #GRAMMYs."

Dolly Parton's 2019 Tweet on BTS

Why Dolly Parton's Old Tweet Is Going Viral

While an official collaboration between Parton and BTS never materialised, her 2019 post remained a beloved piece of crossover pop history among BTS’s fan base, known as ARMY.

Following the official announcement from Parton's family on August 25 that the singer had passed away peacefully in Nashville, fans began sharing memorable clips and milestones from her six-decade career. Among the most widely circulated posts was her 2019 invitation to BTS.

RIP Dolly Parton

For fans of both artists, the resurfaced post serves as a poignant reminder of Parton’s openness to cross-genre music, bridging traditional American country music with global modern pop.

Fans Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton’s Legacy

As news of her death spread worldwide, thousands of music fans posted tributes referencing the viral Grammys moment. Many re-posted the original 2019 video of BTS jamming to "Jolene," expressing sorrow that the proposed project never came to fruition while celebrating Parton's inclusive spirit. Netizens Choice 2026: BTS’ Jungkook and Thai GL Actress Lingling Kwong Lead Global Top 10 Winners – Full List Inside.

Parton, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, left behind an indelible mark on global entertainment through her songwriting, acting, and philanthropic work. Her ability to appreciate and connect with artists across vastly different genres and cultures remains a central theme in the tributes honouring her life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).