The woman who inspired one of country music’s most iconic tunes may have been found.
After Dolly Parton launched her famous song “Jolene” to radio in 1973, it was played millions of times, sold countless records, and covered by musicians of all ages.
That song’s lyrics—“I’m begging of you please don’t take my man”—have sparked much discussion.
According to CBC News, a woman in British Columbia believes she may have inspired the song.but not as you might think.
Dolly has said that “Jolene” was inspired by the banker who kept flirting with her husband and the beautiful little child she encountered at a concert.
Juline Whelan (commonly mispronounced Jolene) met Dolly Parton as a 10-year-old a year before “Jolene” was released, but the similarities continue.
According to Parton, Whelan watched Parton sing at a country music concert while visiting Disneyland with her parents. The connections are astonishing.
Parton told Norwegian television program Lydverket, “I got the name from a little girl that had come up to the stage for an autograph in my early, early career.” I told her, ‘you are the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.’ She had pale skin, green eyes, and red hair. She responded “Jolene” when I asked her name.
Whelan says she approached Parton after her part for an autograph session because she loved her music, but she doesn’t remember the interaction.
By Juline Whelan/CBC
Beyond the story matching Parton’s motivation, Whelan provided CBC News a photo of her at that age and she meets Parton’s description precisely!
Whelan hopes to meet Parton again when she performs in Vancouver this September, but unless Parton confirms her account, it’s speculation.
Watch the video of Parton’s “Jolene” below and let us know what you think about Whelan’s claim in the comments!