Ever since country music legend Dolly Parton released “Jolene” in 1973, the haunting ballad has become a classic, captivating audiences with its catchy melody and vulnerable lyrics. What many fans don't know, however, is that the No. 1 hit has a real-life backstory.
In this episode of I Never Knew That, editor Catherine dives deep into the origin of the song, which has a surprising connection to Parton's late husband, Carl Dean.
If you enjoyed the video, please let us know at editor@biography.com. Don't forget to check out our catalogue of other episodes, including last week's installment about Jamie Lee Curtis' complicated relationship with her father.
Catherine Caruso joined the Biography.com staff in August 2024, having previously worked as a freelance journalist for several years. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied English literature. When she’s not working on a new story, you can find her reading, hitting the gym, or watching too much TV.
