Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ turns 52—she shares a nostalgic video and the unexpected real-life drama that shaped the classic. ML
Los Angeles, Oct 16 (IANS) — Dolly Parton, the country music queen, is celebrating the 52nd anniversary of her iconic song “Jolene”. The song, which has become one of the most famous in her vast repertoire, was released back in 1973 and has remained a fan favorite ever since. To commemorate this special day, Dolly posted a throwback video online showing herself performing “Jolene,” delighting fans old and new.
The song tells a poignant tale of a woman pleading with Jolene, a woman described as stunningly beautiful with “flaming locks of auburn hair,” not to steal her man away. Dolly’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s haunting melody express the pain and desperation of love threatened by a rival.
What adds a fascinating layer to the song is the real-life inspiration behind it. Dolly has explained that the story was inspired by a redheaded woman who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, at the bank soon after they married. This flirtation sparked Dolly’s creativity, although the story itself remains “a little bit of truth” wrapped in artistic license.
During an interview at the Glastonbury Festival in 2014, Dolly said, “I wrote that song years ago when my husband was spending a little more time with Jolene than I thought he should be.” She described the situation with a mix of humor and sincerity.
In a 2008 interview with NPR, Dolly shared more details about the amusing side of the story. “He just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention,” she said. “It was a running joke between us. I would say, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank, and I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money!’”
Interestingly, the name “Jolene” itself was inspired by a young fan. Dolly recalled, “One night while on stage, I saw this beautiful little girl, probably around 8 years old, with gorgeous red hair and sparkling green eyes. She was holding something out for an autograph. I asked her name, and when she said ‘Jolene,’ I knew it would make a perfect song title.”
Over five decades later, “Jolene” remains one of Dolly Parton’s most enduring and beloved songs. Its heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melody continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, a testament to Dolly’s songwriting genius and authentic storytelling.
The anniversary celebration with the throwback video is a reminder of the powerful connection between Dolly Parton’s life experiences and her music, and how a simple moment can inspire a timeless classic.
