Dolly Parton has given her public blessing to Beyoncé's new country album, saying that she is "very excited" about hearing her new material.
Beyoncé recently became the first Black woman to reach top spot in the US Country Chart, following her latest single, 'Texas Hold 'Em'. She also became the first woman to reach number one in the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, since these charts began in 1958.
Other artists who led these charts include Ray Charles, Billy Ray Cyrus, Justin Bieber, and Morgan Wallen.
Beyoncé's new song which was released during this year's Super Bowl, comes as the 'If I Were A Boy' singer is due to release her latest album 'Renaissance Act II' on March 29. She also previewed '16 Carriages' from this upcoming album.
Her latest venture into country music has been publicly backed by country music legend Dolly Parton, who had this to say.
She wrote in a Facebook post, “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album. So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album! Love Dolly".
Recently, Beyoncé's mother Tina jumped to her daughter's defence via social media, after some critics questioned the singer's claim to country music.
“We have always celebrated Cowboy Culture growing up in Texas. We also always understood that it was not just about it belonging to White culture only. In Texas there is a huge black cowboy culture. Why do you think that my kids have integrated it into their fashion and art since the beginning", Tina wrote on Instagram.