Beyoncé has made history by becoming the first Black woman to reach the No. 1 spot on the US Hot 100 chart with her country song "Texas Hold 'Em." The lighthearted track, which debuted last week at No. 2, marks Beyoncé's ninth solo No. 1 hit (following four as a member of Destiny's Child) and is the first of two songs to be released from "Act II," the second installment of a rumored trilogy following the release of "Renaissance: Act I" in 2022.

This achievement is just the latest in a string of record-breaking accolades for "Texas Hold 'Em." Last week, the song made Beyoncé the first Black woman to top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, despite some resistance from country radio programmers. This milestone also makes Beyoncé the first woman to top both the Hot Country Songs list and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs list since their inception in 1958.

Earlier this month, an Oklahoma radio station that initially refused to play the song eventually added it to rotation after Beyoncé's fans launched an online petition. This success led to the song being officially promoted to country radio.

The controversy surrounding the song's inclusion on country radio highlights the challenges that women, and particularly Black artists, face in the notoriously conservative genre. However, Dolly Parton, a country music icon, endorsed Beyoncé's foray into country music, expressing excitement about her new album. "I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album," Parton shared on Instagram. "So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country No. 1 single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!"

Addressing concerns about Beyoncé's connection to country music, her mother, Tina Knowles, affirmed the Houston family's longstanding ties to "cowboy culture." She explained, "We always understood that it was not just about it belonging to white culture only. When people ask why is Beyoncé wearing cowboy hats? It’s really funny, I actually laugh because it’s been there since she was a kid, we went to rodeos every year and my whole family dressed in western fashion."

Beyoncé's groundbreaking achievement not only celebrates her talent but also highlights the evolving landscape of country music and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the genre.