The buzz around Jay-Z‘s rumored infidelity has resurfaced following the release of Beyoncé‘s long-awaited country album, Cowboy Carter, which features Queen Bey’s powerful rendition of Dolly Parton‘s classic, “Jolene.”
With Parton’s blessing, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” hitmaker, 42, has infused the iconic 1973 tune with new lyrics that convey a sense of anger and defiance, as opposed to the original’s tone of desperation and pleading.
Essentially, Beyoncé appears to be cautioning the titular character against trying to “steal [her] man,” while showcasing her own strength and resolve. Since the Grammy winner’s eighth studio LP dropped on March 29th, many of Beyoncé’s fans have been revisiting rumors of Jay-Z cheating on her, which first began circulating in May 2014.
Beyoncé's Fans Revisit Jay-Z Cheating Rumors After Hearing Her New 'Jolene' Lyrics On Cowboy Carter
On the revamped "Jolene" cover, Beyoncé seemingly alludes to her 16-year marriage with the "99 Problems" rapper, 54, as she modifies the lyrics and delivers lines like: "We been deep in love for twenty years / I raised them man, I raised his kids / And I know my man, better than he knows himself."
The couple, as fans know, were first romantically linked in 2002 and tied the knot in 2008. The "16 Carriages" artist also notably quips: "I know I’m a queen Jolene / I’m still a Creole banjee b—h from Louisiana / Don’t try me."
Unlike Parton's original version, Beyoncé's subject is attempting to "come between a family and a happy man." The "Halo" crooner and "Why I Love You" artist share three children: Blue Ivy, 12 and twins Rumi and Sir, 6.
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In the chorus, Beyoncé sings: "Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man / Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / Don’t take the chance because you think you can." In a new Reddit thread, many fans shared their thoughts on Beyoncé's "Jolene" lyrical updates, and how they might relate to Jay-Z's infidelity rumors.
One fan wrote: "Girl how many times has he cheated on you again?" as another added: "Changing the lyrics of an iconic song...That man is not WORTH ITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!" One other replied: "He cheated on her so many times and she’s saying this?" Someone else replied: "He happily cheated on her, and it sounds like it was a lot too, why is she saying they've been in love for twenty years and he stands by her??"
Security footage of Beyoncé's sister Solange seemingly assaulting Jay-Z in an elevator at The Standard, High Line in Manhattan was leaked by TMZ in May of 2014. The viral video garnered extensive media coverage, as the public clamored for details about the cause of the altercation.
Some fans speculated that Jay-Z's alleged infidelity was the catalyst for the violent confrontation.
Two years later, speculation arose amongst fans that Jay-Z had been unfaithful to Beyoncé after the release of her 2016 album Lemonade, which contained references to an alleged mistress, "Becky With The Good Hair." The rapper later confessed to his infidelity on his own 2017 album, 4:44.
As fans continue to share their reactions and theories behind Beyoncé's lyrical motivations when it comes to her "Jolene" cover, she continues to garner critical acclaim for her latest genre-bending record, enjoying chart-topping success.
One month ago, Beyoncé made a big announcement regarding her new album by surprising her fans with the release of two songs in February and promoting the project during a Super Bowl advertisement. This album is part of a trilogy, with the first part being her 2022 album, Renaissance.
Her lead Cowboy Carter single "Texas Hold 'Em" broke a record, making her the first Black woman to top the Billboard Country charts. Furthermore, Beyoncé has now become the first female artist to top both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts since their inception in 1958.
