Jolene by Dolly Parton: Lyrics, Analysis, Themes, Symbolism & Enduring Power

Table of Contents J olene is Dolly Parton’s most covered song and one of the most instantly recognizable pieces in country music. Released in 1973 as the title track of the album of the same name, it reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has since traveled far beyond its original genre. The song is a direct plea from one woman to another: do not take my man, even though you could. Its combination of vulnerability, precise imagery, and a haunting minor-key melody has kept it alive for more than fifty years. Quick Facts Written and recorded by Dolly Parton. Released October 1973. Reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Inspired by two real sources: the name of a young fan and a red-haired bank teller who flirted with Parton’s husband, Carl Dean. One of the most recorded songs in Parton’s catalog, with versions across genres and languages. Origins: Two Real Sparks The name came first. After a performance, an eight-year-old girl with striking r…

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