What did Dolly Parton think about Lil Nas X’s cover of ‘Jolene’?

Via: Twitter

Dolly Parton continues to cement her status as the “kindest woman in America” as she praised Lil Nas X for his live performance of her iconic song “Jolene.”

The rapper, whose debut album was released earlier this month, covered the Smoky Mountain Songbird’s 1973 single at the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge last week. He posted a clip of the performance to his Twitter account.

“I chose this because I feel like this song is kind of like beautifully sad, you know? I like the little country twang, so I was like, ‘Let me try this out,'” Lil Nas X said of his song choice.

Well, the Queen of Country has now replied, and she has nothing but praise for the Montero rapper. “I was so excited when someone told me that Lil Nas X had done my song Jolene,” Parton wrote. “I had to find it and listen to it immediately…and it’s really good. Of course, I love him anyway. I was surprised and I’m honored and flattered. I hope he does good for both of us. Thank you Lil Nas X.”

Fans are not surprised at Parton’s outpouring of support for Lil Nas, given her history of altruism and kindness. But they are particularly happy to see the support for the rapper, who has commented on the homophobia he has experienced in the rap industry.

“We could all take a lesson and elevate the people around us the way Dolly Parton does. Giving and encouraging and lifting each other up makes the world a better place,” wrote one happy fan.

Another was impressed by the level of goodness Parton possesses. “The only thing I can surmise about the number of a**holes right now in this country is that there is a finite amount of goodness, and God gave like 85% to Dolly Parton,” they wrote.

Some fans pointed out that while he’s only recently released his first album, Lil Nas X has some of the music industry’s heaviest hitters on his side, and fans are definitely enjoying the new friendship.

“The fact that Lil Nas X has both Elton John and Dolly Parton’s full support and respect really tells us who is on the right side of history here,” one admirer wrote.

“Dolly Parton’s recommendation of Lil Nas X’s version of “Jolene” is a statement by someone who not only has the joy of music and inclusion in their heart, but the confidence to know that someone else celebrating her gift is not a threat to her legacy. Dolly Parton is The Best,” celebrated another.

Now that Lil Nas X has teamed up with Miley Cyrus, Goddaughter to Parton, who has famously covered “Jolene” herself, can we expect a three-way collaboration in the future?