Dolly Parton's 'Jolene': The Story Behind the Iconic Country Hit
On Tuesday, the iconic country music star Dolly Parton died at the age of 80. Her timeless 1973 hit 'Jolene' continues to resonate, leading to numerous renditions, including a version by Beyoncé featured on her 2024 album 'Cowboy Carter'. In 2012, Miley Cyrus, who is Parton's goddaughter, created a viral interpretation of the song. Parton was inspired to write 'Jolene' after observing a red-haired bank teller flirting with her spouse, Carl Dean. The track has been reimagined in multiple languages and genres, with memorable covers by artists such as the White Stripes and Lil Nas X. In 2024, French filmmaker Justine Triet sought to include 'Jolene' in her Oscar-winning movie but was unable to obtain the rights.
Key facts
- Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at age 80.
- 'Jolene' was written in 1973 and remains one of the most covered country songs.
- Beyoncé covered 'Jolene' on her 2024 album 'Cowboy Carter'.
- Miley Cyrus's 2012 cover of 'Jolene' has over 500 million YouTube views.
- Parton performed 'Jolene' with Måneskin in 2024.
- The song was inspired by a red-haired bank teller flirting with Parton's husband.
- The name 'Jolene' came from a young fan with red hair.
- Parton wrote 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You' on the same day.
- The song has been covered in Finnish, Spanish, and English by various artists.
- Chapel Hart's response song 'You Can Have Him, Jolene' was praised by Parton.
- Beyoncé's version altered the lyrics, making them less forgiving.
- Some interpret 'Jolene' as a love song to Jolene, a theory Parton has addressed.
- Tokyo Sexwale played 'Jolene' in prison for Nelson Mandela.
- Justine Triet wanted to use 'Jolene' in 'Anatomy of a Fall' but couldn't get the rights.
Entities
Artists
- Dolly Parton
- Beyoncé
- Miley Cyrus
- Måneskin
- Vicky Rosti
- Chicas del Can
- Chiquis Rivera
- Becky G
- White Stripes
- Olivia Newton-John
- Lil Nas X
- Chapel Hart
- Tokyo Sexwale
- Nelson Mandela
- Justine Triet
- 50 Cent
- Carl Dean
- Whitney Houston
Institutions
- The Porter Wagoner Show
- America's Got Talent
- Dolly Parton's America
Locations
- United States
- Finland
- Spain
- Colombia
- France