Former Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo recently clarified his previous statements regarding his departure from the band and the release of their cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” addressing the situation in a post shared on Instagram.
In his statement, Rebollo explained that he had made a mistake in accusing the band’s label, Better Noise Music, of releasing the cover without permission, while confirming that he still intends to leave the band.
“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,” Rebollo said. “I would like to clarify some discrepancies regarding the flow of information and try to shift the focus to the positives here.”
He went on to explain that his original statement was not meant to detract from the charitable aspect of the release, which benefits Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“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,” Rebollo continued. “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 clarified that the band and label did have the proper authorization to release the track. “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,” Rebollo added. “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 admitted that he lacked this information when he made his initial comments. “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,” Rebollo stated. “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 focus should remain on the positive impact of the release. “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,” Rebollo said. “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.”
He concluded by reiterating his departure while urging others to support 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,” Rebollo concluded. “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.”
The dispute comes as Bad Wolves revisits a situation involving a cover song, while Rebollo’s clarification shifts attention back to the band’s history and the charitable purpose behind “Jolene.”
Bad Wolves formed in 2017 and gained mainstream attention with their cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie.” The song became a major breakthrough for the band.
The track also carried an earlier connection to tragedy. The Cranberries’ singer Dolores O’Riordan died in 2018 on the day she was scheduled to record vocals for Bad Wolves’ version of “Zombie.” The band ultimately released the song without her, and it became one of their best-known songs.
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 through the Dollywood Foundation. The program sends one free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five. The literacy initiative began in Parton’s home county in Tennessee and later expanded internationally. The program was inspired in part by Parton’s father, who was unable to read or write.
Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25, 2026. Rebollo’s initial departure announcement followed on Aug. 29, after Better Noise moved forward with the “Jolene” cover, creating controversy over whether the band had approved the release.
The Imagination Library was also described as a way to give children “a book a month” from birth to age five. The proceeds from Bad Wolves’ cover are intended to support that ongoing mission.
Better Noise Chairman Allen Kovac also commented on the situation, praising Rebollo for setting the record straight.
“It takes immense courage to publicly stand up, acknowledge a mistake, and set the record straight—especially in today’s fast-paced media landscape,” Kovac said. “I want to fully commend AJ for having the integrity and bravery to address the misinformation regarding the Bad Wolves and Dolly Parton collaboration.”
Kovac added that the correction ensures the focus remains on the charitable cause. “Mistakes happen, but it is the accountability afterward that defines someone’s character,” Kovac continued. “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.”
Rebollo’s departure from Bad Wolves remains final.
