Dolly Parton is a true American icon, known not just for her incredible voice, but also for her larger-than-life personality. One of Parton’s most iconic songs is the hauntingly beautiful “Jolene”. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song has solidified Dolly Parton’s status as a country legend. In this article, we will explore the story and meaning behind the song “Jolene”!
The Story Behind Jolene
The song is based on real-life events from Dolly Parton’s life. The inspiration for the story came from a redheaded bank clerk that gave Parton’s husband Carl Dean too much attention. The bank clerk became a running joke between Parton and her husband Dean.
I wrote this (Jolene) about a woman down in Nashville that worked at the bank. She was trying to take care of my husband while I was out on the road. Well, that didn’t go over too big with me. I fought that redheaded woman like a wildcat.
Dolly Parton before performing the song live in 1988
The redhead’s actual name wasn’t Jolene. The title of the song was inspired by a young fan Dolly met during an autograph session. Before handing out an autograph Parton asked the young girl’s name, to which the girl joyfully replied: ‘Jolene!’ Parton thought Jolene was a beautiful and unique name, and promised the girl to use it in a song one day.
“Jolene” was released as a single in 1973, and eventually appeared on Dolly Parton’s thirteenth solo studio album Jolene (1974). It quickly became one of Parton’s most popular songs. The song topped the country charts in the US and Canada, and was a top 10 hit in the UK.
The Meaning of Jolene
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” clearly tells the story of a woman who fears another woman will steal her man. The song explores themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the fear of loss.
The song has a simple structure, with the verses describing the singer’s despairing requests to Jolene to leave her man alone, and the chorus repeating her name accompanied by the desperate plea to not take her man.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the song is the hopelessness of the narrator. She is not angry or accusive, but admiring and honest. The song perfectly captures the helplessness and desperation that arises when we fear losing someone we love.
Every woman can relate to it (Jolene), and every man really. I think women love it because we all know that there’s somebody out there that could turn the head of the person that you love. I think everybody has that fear, and it happens all the time.
Dolly Parton in an interview with 60 minutes
Covers
Dolly Parton has claimed “Jolene” is her most covered song. One of the most famous covers of the song is by The White Stripes, which was released in 2004. Their version, featuring Jack White’s signature raw vocals, adds a rock edge to the original song.
Another famous cover is by Parton’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus, who performed the song during The Backyard Sessions in 2012.
Other notable covers are from Olivia Newton-John, Ellie Goulding, and Pentatonix.
The Song’s Legacy
Over the years, Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” has remained a beloved song, with a lasting impact on popular culture. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its relatable themes of jealousy and insecurity, as well as its catchy melody and skilled delivery.
The song continues to inspire 5 decades after its release, and is likely to do so for many decades to come.
Interested in more stories behind Dolly Parton songs? Click here
