Country music icon Dolly Parton has given Beyoncé her seal of approval after the “Crazy in Love” singer dropped two tracks from her upcoming country album.
The superstar became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em” after it debuted at Number 1 on the U.S. chart. Her other track, “16 Carriages” has also racked up some impressive streams.
The songs will be featured on Renaissance Act II — the second part of her planned Renaissance trilogy – which will drop on March 29.
There has been a big debate surrounding the former Destiny’s Child star’s foray into country, but the Queen of Country has spoken.
“I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album. So, congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country Number 1 single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!” Parton shared on social media.
Country stars Lainey Wilson and Maren Morris have both praised the tracks, with the former declaring “country music has become cool again.”
On the other end, outspoken “212” hitmaker Azealia Banks, went as far as accusing Beyoncé’s husband, music mogul Jay-Z, of “bullying” country music critics into accepting her music.
“I love you down, but them R&B runs over the Leslie Feist back beats is giving Pickmesha. Nothing country about it. You’re setting yourself up to be ridiculed again. There’s a theatrical element to country music. Them [country] critics are not just going to accept an ugly blond wig and bullying from Jay-Z. It’s giving big-time musical grift,” the rapper began to rant on her Instagram Stories post.
“Yes, Black girls can make country music, but you’re just really not hitting the button,” Banks continued. “K. Michelle, this is your turn to really execute. It’s no shade, but K. Michelle truly understands the assignment.”
Turns out, country singer Michelle — whose real name is Kimberly Michelle Pate — is fully behind Beyoncé’s foray into the genre.
“Y’all been mentioning me all night. I’m just happy to be spoken about in my genre. I love Bey and will be supporting her like I always do,” she posted to X, formerly Twitter.
