Former Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has issued a follow-up statement addressing his recent departure from the band. He walked back earlier claims made against Bad Wolves and their label, Better Noise Music, over the release of a cover of the late Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” He shared the clarification on Instagram.
Rebollo’s statement centers on correcting the record regarding the circumstances of the song’s release, while emphasizing that his focus should remain on the charitable cause tied to the cover.
“I would like to follow up on my post the other day regarding my leave from Bad Wolves and say, once again, that this was NOT in any way a call to arms against Bad Wolves, or Better Noise. I would like to clarify some discrepancies regarding the flow of information and try to shift the focus to the positives here,” AJ Rebollo said.
“My stated stance and beliefs surrounding the matter were never meant to take away from the GOOD that will undeniably come of this – that being the fact that the proceeds from the cover of ‘Jolene’ will go to Dolly’s Imagination Library. The point was to state my decision to leave, nothing more, nothing less, but I am now aware of the fact that my words have caused something far greater than the original intent.”
Rebollo went on to explain that the release had, in fact, been approved by those with authority over the decision.
“At the end of the day, the band and label did, in fact, have the blessing of Dolly’s team to move forward with the cover, despite the fact that Dolly could no longer be involved, as previously planned. On top that, John, who is the head of Bad Wolves pertaining to all things business-related, and the contractually-obligated owner of the band, did give the green light to move forward with the release when the time came.”
He acknowledged that his earlier claims about the band’s unified opposition to the release were incorrect. He took personal responsibility for the miscommunication.
“This is something that was unknown to me, which inadvertently made my statement regarding the band being a united front in opposing the release, frankly, false. The communication within this band has always been a hinderance, but I also must acknowledge the fact that I dropped the ball on gathering all necessary information, when I honestly could have done so by just calling Allan Kovac (chairman of Better Noise) directly. I will absolutely take full responsibility for that.”
Rebollo emphasized that the proceeds from the track would ultimately support a worthwhile cause, following a conversation with Better Noise chairman Allan Kovac.
“Now, regardless of any disagreements I may have had with the label prior, or me leaving the band, there is no denying the fact that the proceeds from this track will bring about something great for Imagination Library and the kids who will receive books from the foundation. After a lengthy and very productive conversation with Allan Kovac, I see how my statement is unintentionally taking away from a cause that is far greater than any disagreement.”
Rebollo maintained his decision to leave the band. He called for the focus to remain on the positive outcome of the release.
“I am not retracting my departure, but I would like to, once again, encourage everybody upset by this to acknowledge the fact that Dolly’s team, wanted this decision to come to fruition. So, at the end of the day, it is no one else’s place to oppose that. I did not intend for this to spark some sort of outright conflict. In a time where people tend to see things as black and white in regards to politics, social issues, etc., we should not constantly allow ourselves to be blind to the positives that can undoubtedly coexist among the discourse.”
Better Noise chairman Allen Kovac also commented on Rebollo’s decision to publicly correct his earlier statement.
“It takes immense courage to publicly stand up, acknowledge a mistake, and set the record straight—especially in today’s fast-paced media landscape. I want to fully commend AJ for having the integrity and bravery to address the misinformation regarding the Bad Wolves and Dolly Parton collaboration,” Allen Kovac said.
“Mistakes happen, but it is the accountability afterward that defines someone’s character. By issuing this correction, AJ is ensuring that the focus remains entirely on what matters most: honoring a music legend and supporting the incredible work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. I fully support him in resetting this narrative and thank him for his honesty.”
The situation surrounding the “Jolene” cover has drawn wider attention beyond the internal dispute at Bad Wolves. This is largely due to the circumstances under which Dolly Parton’s blessing was secured and the scale of the charity now set to benefit from the release.
Dolly Parton had actually heard Bad Wolves’ arrangement of “Jolene” weeks before her passing. She had already given it her blessing at that time. That detail undercuts the notion that the cover was released without any input from Parton herself. It reinforces Rebollo’s own admission that the project had legitimate approval behind it long before the controversy erupted.
The charity at the center of the proceeds, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has grown into one of the most far-reaching literacy programs in the world since its founding in 1995. The organization sends a free book every month to enrolled children from birth until they turn five. It now operates across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
That reach has translated into a staggering volume of literature distributed to families over the past three decades. The Imagination Library has provided more than 300 million books to children worldwide. This cements its status as a cornerstone of Parton’s philanthropic legacy well beyond her music career.
Rebollo confirmed he will not be returning to Bad Wolves. His statement aimed to correct the record surrounding the band’s Dolly Parton tribute and redirect attention to the charitable proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
