Introduction:
”Jolene” is one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs, released on October 15, 1973, as the lead single and title track from her thirteenth studio album. The song narrates a woman’s heartfelt plea to a stunningly beautiful rival, imploring her not to steal her man. Its haunting melody and emotive lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
The inspiration for “Jolene” stems from two real-life encounters. The name “Jolene” was inspired by a young red-haired fan Parton met after a performance. Enchanted by the girl’s beauty and unique name, Parton told her, “That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I’m going to write a song about that.”
The song’s narrative was influenced by a red-haired bank teller who had a flirtatious interaction with Parton’s husband, Carl Dean. Parton noticed the attention her husband received from the teller and, although she wasn’t threatened, it became a running joke between them. This combination of a memorable name and a personal experience gave birth to the song’s narrative.
