The Man Behind “Jolene” – How Carl Dean Inspired Dolly Parton’s Biggest Hit

Dolly Parton’s Late Husband Was The Inspiration Behind One Of Her Most Popular Songs

On Wednesday, March 3, Dolly Parton shared the heartbreaking news that her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at the age of 82. She confirmed his passing in a statement on her social media.

Throughout their long relationship, Dolly and Carl Dean kept most of their lives together private. Dean was rarely seen in public over the past six decades, choosing to stay out of the spotlight. Still, he remained a source of inspiration for Dolly’s songwriting. In fact, her famous song “Jolene” was loosely based on him.

“Jolene” was released in October 1973 and has remained one of the most iconic songs in country music history. So much so, that Rolling Stone even named it the greatest country song of all time.

The track has received two Grammy nominations, one in 1975 and another the following year for its live recording. It was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has become Dolly’s most-covered song. Artists who have put their own spin on “Jolene” include Olivia Newton-John, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and many more.

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So, how exactly did this legendary track come to be?

Well, it was inspired by a moment when Dolly found out that a woman had a pretty noticeable crush on her husband.

In a 2008 interview with NPR, Dolly recalled the moment from many years ago when she realized a red-headed bank teller had a way of flirting with Dean whenever he would go to the bank.

“She got this terrible crush on my husband,” Dolly says. “And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention.”

The moment was harmless in Dolly’s eyes, however, even though the lyrics of “Jolene” express an overwhelming feeling of jealousy. In reality, she and Dean would often joke about it, showing just how strong their relationship has always been.

“It was kinda like a running joke between us — when I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank,” she added. “I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’ So it’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”

Dolly Has Written Other Songs About Carl Dean

Although “Jolene” is undoubtedly one of Dolly’s most famous songs, it’s not the only one she’s ever written for her husband since they married.

Dolly and Carl Dean first met by chance at a laundromat. Dolly was just 18 and had recently moved to Nashville to pursue her country music career, while Dean was 21. It was loved at first sight, and they married in May of 1966.

Years later, Dolly released a song titled “Marry Me” for Carl Dean.