Dolly Parton’s smashing hit 1973 track Jolenegarnered overnight rise after legend’s death at 80.
With that, multiple other hits by the country music icon made to the Apple Music’s US top 10, including I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5, and Islands in the Stream.
The song, Jolene, which was part of Partons’ 1974 album was released in October 1973, a year ahead of the album release.
The song was inspired by a bank teller who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.
The music icon reflected on the story inspiration of the song in her 2014 Glastonbury performance.
As per Independent, Parton at that time told the crowd: “Now, some of you may or may not know that this song was loosely based on a little bit of truth. I wrote that years ago when my husband [was] spending a little more time with Jolene than I thought he should be.”
After fans booed at the revelation, Dolly said that she “got rid of that redhead woman in a hurry”, causing cheers from the crowd.
Moreover, she admitted to fans that experience made her famous and wealthy.
Dolly said: “I want you folks to know, though, that something good can come from anything. Had it not been for that woman, I would never have written ‘Jolene’, and I wouldn’t have made all that money, so thank you, Jolene.”
Once, Parton cared to give insight into her and Carl dean’s relationship.
During an appearance on BBC’s The One Show, Dolly said: “He was a little embarrassed when I wrote the song ‘Jolene’ because, actually, it wasn’t as serious [as it seems].
“I was just jealous ‘cause she was a beautiful woman and he was just flirting.”
Dolly Parton lost life battle on August 25 at the age of 80 after battling cancer.
2026-08-27 13:55:00
