Country singer Belles has revealed the moving final words Dolly Parton said to her before leaving their collaboration session: “Now I have a new dream. I have you.” The compliment left Belles in tears after Parton, who died from cancer aged 80, departed the room.
An Emotional Farewell
Belles, whose real name is Kelli Rachel Jones, said she tried to stay composed but broke down once Parton left. “I was trying to keep my cool and not get too emotional,” Belles said. “But then she left, and I was just in tears. I just couldn’t believe that she said that. That is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
Parton showed no signs of illness during their time together. “I had no idea – in fact, she had more energy than me,” Belles said. “She looked beautiful, and she sounded amazing, and I honestly had no clue she had any health issues at all after meeting her. It just shows what a strong person she was.”
Tribute on Strictly Come Dancing
Belles will pay tribute to Parton tonight on Strictly Come Dancing by singing “Jolene”. The appearance is poignant because Parton performed on the show in September 2011. Belles said she has been singing the song since she was 13 years old.
Despite growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Belles understands Strictly’s significance in the UK. “I honestly never dreamed that I would get to do something like this… I’m just so excited to watch the incredible dancers dance, although I feel like I’m going to have a hard time not getting distracted,” she joked.
The Story Behind 'Son of Jolene'
The collaboration began in 2024 when Belles learned that the mother of one of her opening acts was named Jolene. She asked him, “What if you wrote a song about being the son of Jolene?” The song, titled “Son of Jolene”, took 45 minutes to write and reached Parton through producer Kent Wells.
When they met to film the video, Parton greeted Belles with “Well, it’s about time I met you.” Parton praised the song as clever and said she had to sing it with Belles. Belles described the experience as surreal, hearing a voice she grew up with.
Parton also offered business advice, urging Belles to care about who owns her publishing. “She really had such an amazing understanding of the business and how to work around it and work through it,” Belles said. Belles added, “We will all miss her so much because there’s really no one like Dolly and I don’t think there will ever be another person like Dolly on this Earth.”
