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Dolly Parton Celebrates 52 Years of Iconic "Jolene" Song
16 Oct
Summary
- "Jolene" song released in 1973
- Loosely based on a woman who flirted with Parton's husband
- Song has been covered by over 30 artists in 52 years
On October 16, 2025, country music legend Dolly Parton is celebrating the 52nd anniversary of her iconic song "Jolene." The hit, released in 1973, was loosely inspired by a real-life encounter between Parton's husband and a flirtatious redhead at a bank shortly after their marriage.
In the song, Parton begs the titular Jolene not to "take" her man, as she "could never love again" if she lost him. Parton has said the song was "a running joke" between her and her husband, as he seemed to enjoy the attention from the bank teller.
Over the past 52 years, "Jolene" has become a country music classic, covered by over 30 artists including The White Stripes, Olivia Newton-John, and Beyoncé. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been ranked among the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
