By Jia Lissa 
The country music landscape is buzzing with significant chart activity, marked by the poignant debut of Dolly Parton’s last recorded work, "Son of Jolene," a collaboration with singer-songwriter Belles. The track, a spiritual successor to Parton’s iconic 1974 hit "Jolene," has landed at No. 51 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for the week of September 12. This posthumous release not only highlights Parton’s enduring legacy but also introduces Belles to the national country radio stage. Meanwhile, Luke Combs continues his reign atop the Country Airplay chart with "Be by You," now in its third week at number one, while Lauren Alaina and Chase Matthew’s duet "All My Exes" climbs into the top 10, underscoring the power of collaboration in the genre.
A Legendary Farewell: "Son of Jolene" Takes Flight
The debut of "Son of Jolene" represents a significant moment for country music, offering fans one of the last opportunities to hear the legendary Dolly Parton’s voice on a new recording. The song, which garnered 1.3 million in airplay audience in the tracking week of August 28 to September 3 – a substantial 68% increase from the previous week, according to Luminate – signifies a powerful connection between generations of artists. Belles, the Nebraska-born singer-songwriter, co-penned the track with Tyler Bank and Dan Harrison, crafting a narrative that directly responds to the timeless plea of the original "Jolene."
The journey of "Son of Jolene" to Dolly Parton’s ears is a testament to the collaborative spirit within the music industry. Longtime producer Kent Wells facilitated the connection, bringing the sequel concept to Parton. Her enthusiastic embrace of the idea, leading to her contributing vocals, adds a layer of emotional depth to the release. This collaboration stands as a final artistic statement from Parton, a beloved figure whose influence transcends musical genres and generations.
Belles expressed profound gratitude and disbelief upon the song’s release and Parton’s passing. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram following Parton’s death on August 25, Belles tearfully spoke about her lifelong admiration for Parton. "I was just a girl from Nebraska growing up idolizing Dolly and I never imagined moving to Nashville that I would get to meet her, much less have this song with her," Belles shared. "She just took a chance on me. She really made me believe in myself a lot more. I’m just very grateful." This sentiment underscores the personal impact of the collaboration, transforming a fan’s dream into a remarkable artistic partnership. The song’s success on the Country Airplay chart, reaching No. 51 in its first week, indicates a strong listener response and a keen interest in Parton’s final musical offering.
Combs Continues Dominance, Alaina and Matthew Achieve Top 10 Milestone
In parallel, Luke Combs’ chart presence remains formidable. His hit single "Be by You" has secured the No. 1 position on the Country Airplay chart for three consecutive weeks. The track continues to resonate with audiences, accumulating 32.8 million in airplay audience this past week, reflecting a 1% increase. This sustained success highlights Combs’ consistent ability to deliver chart-topping material that connects with the core country music fanbase.
Adding another layer of excitement to the charts is the ascent of Lauren Alaina and Chase Matthew’s "All My Exes." The collaboration has climbed one spot to reach No. 10 on the Country Airplay chart, marking a significant achievement for both artists. The song garnered 17 million in airplay audience, up 3% week-over-week. For Alaina, this marks her fourth top 10 hit on the chart, further solidifying her standing as a prominent voice in contemporary country music. For Chase Matthew, "All My Exes" represents his third entry into the top 10, showcasing his growing influence and appeal.
The success of "All My Exes" is particularly noteworthy in the context of country music’s evolving collaboration landscape. While collaborations have historically been less frequent on country radio compared to other genres, they have shown a strong tendency to overperform when they gain traction. Alaina’s chart history is replete with successful team-ups. Her other top 10 hits include features on HARDY’s "One Beer" (December 2020), Kane Brown’s "What Ifs" (October 2017), and her solo hit "Road Less Traveled" (April 2017), which reached No. 1. The current success of "All My Exes" further emphasizes her knack for creating impactful duets.
Chase Matthew’s prior top 10 achievements include the three-week No. 1 hit "Darlin’" in November, and his chart debut, "Love You Again," which peaked at No. 9 in 2024. His continued presence in the top tier of the charts signals a strong trajectory for his career.
Alaina has spoken about the genesis of "All My Exes," cowritten with Jimmie Gutch, Ben Johnson, and Whitney Phillips. The song reportedly emerged from a playful, yet relatable, discussion about past relationships. In an interview with Billboard’s Makin’ Tracks last September, Alaina described her experiences in Nashville during her early twenties, dating within the music industry and other entertainment fields. "I was 22, 23, living in Nashville and dating other country music artists and dating other people in the business, and comedians," she recalled. "All the wrong people, basically." This candid reflection adds a layer of authenticity to the song’s theme, resonating with listeners who have navigated similar romantic complexities.
Chart Dynamics and Future Outlook
The interplay between these chart movements offers a snapshot of the current country music scene. The enduring popularity of established stars like Luke Combs, the poignant debut of a legendary artist’s final work, and the rise of collaborative efforts from emerging talents all contribute to the genre’s dynamic nature. The Country Airplay chart, which measures radio airplay audience, is a crucial indicator of a song’s widespread reach and listener engagement. The data from Luminate provides valuable insights into audience reception and the impact of promotional efforts.
The upcoming weeks will reveal the longevity of "Son of Jolene’s" chart presence and whether it can climb further, a testament to the continued love and respect for Dolly Parton. Similarly, the sustained performance of "Be by You" and the upward momentum of "All My Exes" will be closely watched. The success of these diverse tracks highlights the genre’s capacity to embrace both timeless storytelling and contemporary collaborations.
All Billboard charts dated September 12 will be updated on Billboard.com on Wednesday, September 9, providing the latest data on these and other significant music industry developments. The continued analysis of these charts offers a valuable perspective on the artists, songs, and trends shaping the country music landscape. The inclusion of Dolly Parton’s final recording on the charts is a poignant reminder of her indelible mark on music history, while the achievements of Belles, Luke Combs, Lauren Alaina, and Chase Matthew underscore the vibrant and evolving nature of country music today. The genre continues to thrive, driven by a blend of established icons, emerging stars, and the power of shared musical experiences.
