After 52 years, Dolly Parton finally reveals the hidden truth that inspired ‘Jolene’ alongside a never-before-seen throwback clip. ML
Los Angeles, Oct 16 (IANS) — Country music legend Dolly Parton is absolutely thrilled as her iconic song “Jolene” marks its 52nd anniversary since its original release. To celebrate this major milestone, Dolly shared a nostalgic throwback video on social media showing herself performing the unforgettable track, giving fans a heartfelt reminder of why the song has stood the test of time and continues to touch millions of hearts around the world.
Originally released in 1973, “Jolene” became one of Dolly’s most defining hits and quickly cemented its place in the canon of country music classics. The song tells the emotional story of a woman pleading with another woman, Jolene, whose “beauty is beyond compare,” to not take away her man. Dolly’s evocative lyrics capture vulnerability and raw emotion as she begs Jolene not to “take my man just because you can,” revealing the depths of her love and fear of loss.
Behind the song’s haunting lyrics lies a real-life inspiration. Dolly has revealed that the muse for “Jolene” was a redheaded woman who once flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, at a bank shortly after they were married. This real encounter gave Dolly the spark for the song’s narrative of jealousy and insecurity.
During a 2014 interview at the Glastonbury Festival, Dolly explained that while the story is “loosely based on a little bit of truth,” it’s also a very innocent song at heart. “I wrote that years ago when my husband was spending a little more time with Jolene than I thought he should be,” she admitted with a laugh.
In a 2008 NPR interview, Dolly elaborated on the amusing situation, saying, “She got this terrible crush on my husband, and he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kind of like a running joke between us — when I said, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank, and I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money!’” This lighthearted story contrasts beautifully with the song’s dramatic tone.
Interestingly, the name “Jolene” was not taken from that woman but came from a separate encounter with a young fan. Dolly shared that one night during a concert, she met a beautiful little girl with stunning red hair, glowing skin, and bright green eyes who asked for her autograph. When Dolly asked her name, she was enchanted by “Jolene,” repeating it several times and immediately knowing it was the perfect name for a song.
Over five decades later, “Jolene” remains a timeless masterpiece. It has been covered by countless artists and continues to captivate new generations of listeners, showcasing Dolly Parton’s extraordinary talent as a songwriter and storyteller. The anniversary celebration with the throwback video is a touching tribute to a song that has become a true cultural phenomenon.
