On This Day in 1973, Dolly Parton Began One of the Most Successful Chapters of Her Career with the Release of “Jolene”

On this day (October 15) in 1973, Dolly Parton released “Jolene” as the lead single and title track from her 1974 album. It would go on to be much more than a hit country song. Today, it is one of the most-covered songs in the world and a cultural touchstone as well as being one of Parton’s signature songs.

Parton released her debut single, “Puppy Love” in 1959. Eight years and ten singles later, she landed her first top 20 hit on the Billboard country singles chart with “Something Fishy” in 1967. She would see minor chart success throughout the rest of the ‘60s. Then, in 1970, she landed her first No. 1 with “Joshua.” Three years later, “Jolene” would bring the East Tennessee native her second chart-topper and usher in one of the most successful eras of her career.

[RELATED: 5 of the Best Covers of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”]

Maybe more importantly, Parton released “Jolene” while breaking away from Porter Wagoner and striking out on her own. The success of the single—and the four consecutive No. 1 singles that would follow—helped her build momentum to move forward into the next chapter of her career.

The list of artists who have covered “Jolene” is long, varied, and full of big names. Olivia Newton-John, Rhonda Vincent, Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, The White Stripes, Mindy Smith, Pentatonix, and many more have put their spin on the song.

Dolly Parton’s Inspiration for Jolene

Dolly Parton famously wrote “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” in the same night. While the latter was her way of saying goodbye to Porter Wagoner, she based the former on two very different ladies.

Parton got the title of the song from a young fan who came to one of her shows. The young lady named Jolene had red hair, fair skin, and green eyes. When the country icon heard her name, she knew it belonged in a country song.

A bank teller inspired the song’s content. In the early days of her marriage with Carl Dean, she found that he was spending a lot of time at the bank. In her mind, there was no reason for him to be in the bank that often. Then, she learned that there was a young pretty teller there who flirted with Dean when he came in and he apparently enjoyed the attention.

So, between an excited young fan and a healthy dose of justified jealousy, Parton found the inspiration she needed to write one of the most beloved songs in country music history.

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