When Australia’s soul powerhouse Emma Donovan joined forces with Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote, they didn’t just cover “Jolene” they resurrected Dolly Parton’s classic with breathtaking new depth. This electrifying performance proves great songs don’t get old; they get rediscovered.
Filmed for ABC Australia’s The Set in 2021, this breathtaking collaboration reimagines Dolly’s country classic as a soul-jazz revelation. Emma Donovan’s rich, emotive vocals wrap around Nai Palm’s psychedelic guitar like smoke, stretching the song into new emotional territory while honoring its roots; the artists slow the tempo to amplify every aching word, crafting intricate harmonies that shimmer with raw vulnerability before building to a cathartic crescendo where Donovan’s voice cracks with the same desperate passion that made the original timeless. What emerges isn’t just a cover but a conversation across generations of musical storytelling.
Emma Donovan & Hiatus Kaiyote – “Jolene” | Instagram Reel
Musicians and fans alike flooded comments with praise, calling it the “best version ever” and “fierce”; Fellow artist Loretta Miller simply wrote “Love you Emma x,” while producer Al Newstead recalled “still getting chills” years later. The overwhelming sentiment? As tobeladee put it: “You are a powerhouse”
While Donovan’s soulful rendition reimagines “Jolene” for new ears, the song’s enduring magic stems from Dolly Parton’s raw 1974 recording; a masterclass in how vulnerability becomes strength when channeled through artistry.
Dolly Parton – “Jolene”
This grainy 1974 footage captures the song’s naked power; just 23-year-old Dolly, her trembling acoustic guitar, and that crystalline voice weaving desperation into melody. Notice how her phrasing wavers like a heartbeat, how the minimal production forces focus on lyrics that would become universal shorthand for jealous anguish. The performance remains the gold standard because it’s not perfectl it’s painfully human.
Emma Donovan’s platforms honor this legacy while forging new ground, showcasing how great songs travel across generations and genres. Follow for more moments where musical traditions collide where country’s storytelling roots meet soul’s emotional depth, creating something fresh yet familiar.