Heidi Vincent Announces New Single “Mean Jolene” — A Sharp, Modern Sequel to Dolly Parton’s Classic
Vancouver singer-songwriter Heidi Vincent has officially released her latest single, “Mean Jolene,” a bold and cheeky narrative continuation of the story Dolly Parton sparked over 50 years ago. Dropping on January 16, 2026, the track blends vintage country grit with a modern cinematic edge, reimagining the aftermath of the most famous man-theft in music history. Produced by Winston Hauschild and featuring a powerhouse band—including Nashville drummer Lee Kelley and guitarist Jerry Wong—the song serves as a masterclass in “sass and sawdust” storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from the “gospel” of Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton she heard growing up, Vincent delivers a sharp-witted perspective on karma: while Jolene may have won the man, she inherited a life of chores and a known cheater, leaving our narrator to realize she successfully dodged a disaster. With a vocal performance that nods to Colter Wall’s rugged flavor and a yodel-inspired flair, Vincent bridges the gap between classic roots and contemporary indie country-pop.
“Dolly wrote the first chapter,” Vincent remarks, “I just wrote what happened next.”
Following the success of her 2024 single Criminal, “Mean Jolene” cements Heidi Vincent as an artist uniquely capable of honoring Nashville tradition while forging a path—and a punchline—entirely her own.
Review
Heidi Vincent delivers a brilliant narrative sequel to a country legend with her new single, “Mean Jolene.” Released January 16, 2026, the track flips the script on Dolly Parton’s classic plea, transforming it into a gritty tale of karma. While the original was a desperate prayer for mercy, Vincent’s version is a sharp-witted realization that losing her man was actually her greatest escape.
The lyrics shine as Vincent highlights the irony of Jolene’s prize, noting that while the man is out “honky tonkin’ all over town,” Jolene is stuck home realizing she’s been sold a lie. With lines that cut deep and a playful, “sass and sawdust” energy, Vincent proves she is a storyteller unafraid to challenge tradition.
At the end of the day, “Mean Jolene” is about that satisfying moment you realize you didn’t actually lose out—you just dodged a bullet. It’s a sharp reminder that sometimes karma doesn’t just come around; it gets the final, loudest word.