Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has quit the heavy metal band over their decision to release a cover of Dolly Parton's 1973 hit Jolene, describing it as the "final nail in the coffin." The announcement came four days after Parton's death on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80, following a short battle with cancer.
Rebollo accuses label of 'ill intent'
Taking to Instagram on Friday, August 28, the same day Parton's family were seen gathering at her final resting place, Rebollo accused their record label, Better Noise Music, of "ill intent" by releasing the cover in the aftermath of her death. In a lengthy statement, he wrote: "I am making the decision to step away as a member of Bad Wolves. In short, I can no longer in good faith remain a member and co-sign the decisions constantly being made FOR this band by the label, among other issues I have with the inner workings of the business."
The cover had the singer's blessing, and she was expected to add vocals to their heavy version of the hit prior to her death. The record label is reportedly still planning to release the track, without her vocals, on Monday, August 31. Profits from the song will benefit her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5.
Band members 'no interest' in song
Rebollo stated he was not the only band member uncomfortable with the release, explaining the band had made its position clear to the label that they had "no interest" in the song anymore. "...We felt it would, understandably, be interpreted as somewhat of a capitalisation on her passing from an outside perspective," he said.
Since the star's death, her version of the iconic song about a woman begging another woman not to have an affair with her man has climbed to Number 1 on the U.S. and Global Apple Music charts, as well as the U.S. and Global Spotify charts for the first time ever, pulling in millions of daily streams. In the UK, it bounced back into the Official UK Singles Chart at Number 9 following a 364% week-on-week surge.
Family gathers at Nashville memorial
Rebollo's announcement came the same day as about a dozen of Parton's immediate family members, including her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, gathered at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville. While it was confirmed they were there for an intimate service, representatives have yet to explicitly state whether that specific gathering constituted her final funeral ceremony.
The chart-topping legend will be laid to rest alongside her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. The double tomb features a bronze front detailing a peaceful Tennessee mountain landscape and an illustration of her humble childhood home. Announcing her death in a moving video clip, Seaver stated she told him: "I want to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."
