“Jolene”: A Tale of Two Covers
Few songs capture the essence of despair. “Jolene” is one of them. Written by the incomparable Dolly Parton, the tune represents perhaps the ultimate anthem of self-doubt; emotions that are relatable regardless of sex, age or creed. By distilling the song to a bare and honest level, “Jolene” appeals to everybody on some level. Add a catchy melody and powerful lyrics and this tune is one of a handful that can truly be considered timeless.
The unusual and now infamous name has surprising roots. Parton related, “One night, I was on stage, and there was this beautiful little girl — she was probably 8 years old at the time. And she had this beautiful red hair, this beautiful skin, these beautiful green eyes, and she was looking up at me for an autograph.” When the girl told Dolly her name, Parton was immediately taken. “I said, ‘Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene.’ I said, ‘That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I’m going to write a song about that.’”
Like Dolly, “Jolene” is iconic for so many reasons. The very name itself conjures a synonym for scandalous in the beautiful tradition of country music. Musician Jack White says, “I love the name…Like that could be used as almost accusatory.” And like the title, the story is based on a real person. The inspiration stems from a female bank teller who had a crush on Parton’s late husband, Carl. “He just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke between us,” says Dolly.
Parton’s genius was evoking the base emotions that every person is susceptible to. Even if you look like Dolly Parton. And Dolly isn’t afraid to point out her anxieties when discussing the “real” Jolene. “She had everything I didn’t, like legs. She was about 6 feet tall and had all that stuff that some little, short, sawed-off honky like me don’t have…No matter how beautiful a woman might be, you’re always threatened by other women. Period.” At its core, this tune is a raw portrait of inferiority and insecurity. These feelings are universally relatable. This is why “Jolene” makes such a compelling candidate as a cover song.
Dolly Parton has no plans to slow down. Even at age 79, the music superstar sustains a rigorous touring schedule. She also somehow finds time to write new music, though it is doubtful any contemporary tune will match the unbelievable legacy of “Jolene”. A composition that in 2024, Rolling Stone Magazine named the Greatest Country Song of All Time. For more than 50 years, artists have been unable to resist the urge to cover this tune. Here are two brilliant examples of the timeless “Jolene.”
Miley Cyrus
It is no secret how close Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton are. In fact, Dolly is Miley’s godmother. It would only make sense then that Cyrus would cover Parton’s legendary tune. The millennial singer has performed “Jolene” many times throughout the years including a fun rendition with Dolly during her 2022 New Year’s Eve television special. Like her godmother, Miley possesses what Parton considers the secret to her prolonged success, experimentation. Cyrus is “always trying new things,” Dolly declares.
Though Miley hails from country music royalty, she is one of the most successful crossover pop stars of the last 20 years. But before she became a confirmed rocker, Cyrus included “Jolene” on a series of releases called the “Backyard Sessions.” The year was 2012 and Miley was only 20 years old, however, her seasoned voice gives the tune a gritty and authentic feel.
Beyoncé
When asked during a 2023 interview if she would be open to collaborating with Beyoncé on “Jolene”, Dolly answered, “Oh, that would be great.” When prompted as if to Queen Bey would say yes to such a duet, Parton said simply, “she might.” Dolly was then quick to add, “If not, I’ll go drag her down and make her sing anyhow.”
In 2024, Beyoncé included a reimagining of “Jolene” (with new lyrics) on her debut country effort, Cowboy Carter. “I think it was very bold of her. When they said she was gonna do ‘Jolene,’ I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn’t. But I love what she did to it,” states Dolly. “She wasn’t gonna go beg some other woman like I did. ‘Don’t steal my man.’ Instead, [Beyoncé says] ‘Shit, get out of here, bitch. You ain’t stealin’ mine.’”
Dolly Parton’s talent as a composer is challenged only by her grace as an artist. She says simply, “As a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them.”
