Bad Wolves guitarist AJ Rebollo has quit the heavy metal band, citing the record label’s decision to release a cover of Dolly Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene” as the final breaking point.

According to statements released Friday by Rebollo, Better Noise Music moved forward with releasing the track despite explicit opposition from multiple band members following Parton’s death at age 80.

AJ Rebollo Exits Bad Wolves Over Label Dispute

AJ Rebollo announced his departure from Bad Wolves on Friday after two years with the group, pointing to creative differences and business decisions made by Better Noise Music. Rebollo stated that he could no longer in good faith remain a member or co-sign decisions forced upon the group.

The primary catalyst for the exit was the label’s handling of the band’s heavy metal cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Parton had originally been scheduled to record guest vocals for the track, but those plans ended when the legendary country singer died on Tuesday at age 80, as reported.

Band Opposition to the ‘Jolene’ Release

Following Parton’s death, members of Bad Wolves informed Better Noise Music that they wanted to scrap the release. The band felt that publishing the cover without her vocals so soon after her passing would be interpreted as an attempt to capitalize on the tragedy.

Despite the band’s objections, the label proceeded with plans to distribute the song, announcing that proceeds would benefit Parton’s Imagination Library, a charity providing free books to children from birth to age 5. While Rebollo acknowledged the charitable donation as a positive choice, he maintained in his statement that there was “ill intent” behind the label’s decision to override the group’s wishes.

“We, as an entity, told the label we had no interest in releasing the cover after learning of Dolly’s unfortunate passing,” Rebollo wrote in his Instagram statement.

Historical Parallels and Ongoing Lineup Instability

The current situation mirrors a pivotal moment in Bad Wolves’ history from 2018. At that time, The Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan died on the exact day she was scheduled to record vocals for the band’s cover of “Zombie.” The band released that track without her vocals, and it ultimately became a massive commercial success, topping Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart for three weeks and earning a three-times platinum certification in the United States.

Despite that past success, Bad Wolves has experienced continuous roster turnover in recent years. Original vocalist Tommy Vext left the group in 2021, followed by guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel in 2025. Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz also departed to join Falling in Reverse, leading to the arrival of new singer Sara “Killboy” Skinner earlier this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did AJ Rebollo quit Bad Wolves?

AJ Rebollo quit Bad Wolves due to ongoing creative differences with record label Better Noise Music, specifically citing the label’s decision to release a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” against the band’s explicit wishes following Parton’s death.

Will the Bad Wolves ‘Jolene’ cover still be released?

Yes, Better Noise Music scheduled the release of the “Jolene” cover without Parton’s vocals, with a portion of the proceeds designated for her Imagination Library charity.

Who else has left Bad Wolves recently?

Bad Wolves has faced numerous lineup changes, including the departures of original singer Tommy Vext in 2021, guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel in 2025, and vocalist Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz.