Singer celebrates debut album ‘Midwestern’ with performance of ‘Jolene’ and prepares for European tour dates in 2027.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Rising country artist Belles celebrated the release of her debut album, “Midwestern,” with a tribute to East Tennessee music legend Dolly Parton on BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing.”
Belles performed Parton’s iconic song “Jolene” during a dance routine featuring professional dancers Amy Dowden and Kai Widdrington. The performance coincided with the Oct. 16 release of Belles’ debut album through East Music Row Records.
“Midwestern” debuted in the top 15 of the iTunes Global Album Charts. The 12-track album draws on Belles’ upbringing, relationships, ambitions and connection to her roots.
The project includes “Son of Jolene,” a collaboration featuring Parton that reimagines the story behind the country classic. The song is also Belles’ current radio single.
While visiting the United Kingdom, Belles spoke with the Sunday Mirror about Parton’s influence on her career, their musical collaboration and the release of her album.
Belles has spent much of 2026 on her “Songs and Stories Tour,” with 50 scheduled performances and more than 40 radio visits. The tour is set to continue through the end of the year.
In March 2027, Belles will travel to Europe for Country to Country, a multiday country music festival. She is scheduled to perform in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on March 5 and Berlin, Germany, on March 6.
Additional performances are scheduled for Manchester’s AO Arena on March 12, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on March 13 and London’s O2 on March 14.
The performance on “Strictly Come Dancing” brings Belles’ music to an international audience while celebrating the enduring influence of Parton’s songwriting.
No responses yet