Dolly Parton's Jolene

Abstract

“Jolene” is one of Dolly Parton’s most beloved songs. Released in 1974 as the title song of Dolly’s thirteenth studio album, it is a cultural phenomenon. Ostensibly a cheating song, “Jolene” is compelling because of its ambiguity: Who is Jolene? Is she a heartless homewrecker or an unwilling recipient of attention from a guy who will cheat on his partner? Is “Jolene” sung by a narrator who is weak or assertive? What does Jolene decide? There are multiple ways to read “Jolene.” Hundreds of musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, and listeners have used the song to express their own stories, viewpoints, and identities. Dolly Parton’s Jolene does a deep dive into the song: Dolly’s stories about the song’s origins; various ways to read the lyrics, including queer readings; and a detailed musical analysis. It explores notable covers of the song, including Olivia Newton-John’s recording and the duet version that she and Dolly recorded. It then examines several covers of the song: by Mindy Smith, The White Stripes, The Congo Cowboys, Lil Nas X, Gloria Ann Taylor, and Chiquis and Becky G. The book includes a look at answer songs from Jolene’s perspective, and gives special attention to Chapel Hart’s answer song, “You Can Have Him Jolene.” Since the song’s release, Dolly re-recorded “Jolene” for her album Something Special, embraced an orchestral sound for the soundtrack for the film Dumplin’, and dramatized “Jolene” in a television series. The book concludes by re-examining the “Jolene” origin story from a new perspective.