The Inspiration for ‘Jolene’
In her iconic 2019 chat with CBS Sunday Morning, the talented Dolly Parton revealed the origins of one of her most cherished songs, and trust me, it’s a relatable tale.
A Serendipitous Encounter
Dolly, often crowned the queen of country music, shared with reporter Tony Dokoupil that the idea for her famous song sparked from a seemingly random encounter with a young fan.
While she was performing on The Porter Wagoner Show during her early Nashville days, she met a little girl who would inspire a legendary tune.
“I vividly remember this adorable red-headed girl with her green eyes. When I asked her name, she said ‘Jolene’. I instantly fell in love with that name,” she reminisced. “All the way back to the bus, I kept chanting Jolene, Jolene, Jolene so I wouldn’t forget it,” Dolly recalled, even mimicking that unforgettable melody we all know.
From a Name to a Character
The little girl’s name wasn’t the only inspiration for the song. Dolly crafted its character based on a bank teller who once had a bit of a flirtation with her husband, Carl Dean. Here’s a glimpse of those iconic lyrics:
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene
The outcome? “Jolene” became the smash hit that kickstarted Dolly’s solo journey in the music industry. Thankfully, the little flirt from the bank didn’t shake Dolly and Carl’s bond, which lasted a remarkable 59 years until Carl passed on March 3, 2025.
Everlasting Love
Regardless of challenges, their connection remained robust until the end. After Carl’s passing, Dolly reflected on their lifetime together. “Carl and I had many wonderful years. Words can’t express the deep love we shared for over 60 years. I appreciate all the prayers and sympathies,” she expressed to her fans.
For further details, check out the original piece on Southern Living.
