Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton Unite for First-Ever Duet with New Rendition of “Does He Love You”

Even country music royalty can have dream-come-true moments. For Reba McEntire, that moment arrived when Dolly Parton agreed to join her on a reimagined version of McEntire’s 1993 hit “Does He Love You.” The collaboration, included on McEntire’s three-disc retrospective Revived Remixed Revisited, marks the first time the two genre icons have recorded together, despite decades of friendship and shared history.

“We were just thrilled to pieces when Dolly said yes,” McEntire told Taste of Country Nights. “She was my first choice. I never want to put anybody on the spot, so I had my management reach out to hers. And Dolly was all in.”

The original recording of “Does He Love You” paired McEntire with Linda Davis, charting at No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart and winning a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration and a CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year. Written by Sandy Knox and Billy Stritch, the dramatic ballad tells the story of two women caught in a love triangle, each confronting her doubts and heartache with the haunting refrain: “Does he love you like he loves me?”

Parton now takes Davis’s role, bringing a distinct energy to the song. Her soft yet piercing vocal delivery adds nuance and depth, transforming the decades-old hit into something both nostalgic and fresh. “When Dolly and I sang together, it just clicked,” McEntire said. “Hearing our voices blend — it’s something I think the fans are really going to enjoy.”

The collaboration extends beyond the recording studio. The duo filmed a new music video in Nashville directed by Dano Cerny, which pays homage to the original 1993 clip. Set in a smoky, candlelit bar, McEntire and Parton trade lines across the table, their performance weaving tension and intimacy into the song’s emotional core. Subtle nods to the earlier video appear throughout, offering longtime fans moments of recognition while introducing the story to a new generation.

Parton herself was so enthusiastic about the project that she spilled the news ahead of schedule. Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in July, she couldn’t resist sharing her excitement. “We really sounded good together,” she said. “I think the fans are gonna like it.”

The duet forms part of McEntire’s ambitious Revived Remixed Revisited project, a 30-song box set that reexamines her most beloved hits through three lenses: re-recordings with her touring band (Revived), dance-floor ready remixes (Remixed), and stripped-down, reimagined arrangements produced by Dave Cobb (Revisited). Parton’s contribution features on the Revisited disc, which leans into raw, organic interpretations of McEntire’s catalog.

For both artists, the project represents more than just music — it is a meeting of legacies. McEntire, 66, has maintained her place as one of country’s most enduring performers, while Parton, 75, continues to transcend genre and generations with her music, philanthropy, and cultural influence. Though they have appeared together publicly — co-hosting the 2019 CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood and sharing the screen when Parton guest-starred on McEntire’s sitcom Reba — their paths had never converged in the recording booth until now.

Industry observers see the duet as a symbolic moment for country music. “Reba and Dolly are two of the genre’s strongest female voices, both musically and culturally,” one Nashville critic noted. “This collaboration isn’t just about revisiting a hit; it’s about bridging eras, celebrating resilience, and showcasing the artistry of two women who continue to define what country music can be.”

Fans, meanwhile, have flooded social media with excitement, praising the duet as both long overdue and perfectly timed. For many, hearing McEntire and Parton harmonize is a reminder of country music’s ability to blend storytelling with raw emotion, while offering a powerful affirmation of female camaraderie in a genre historically dominated by men.

As for McEntire, the project captures exactly what she hoped for: a chance to honor her past while keeping her music alive in new and meaningful ways. “I love looking back, but I also love looking forward,” she said. “And getting to share this moment with Dolly? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake.”