Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' Ranked Among the 'Best Country Songs of All Time' — And It's Still Timeless
Dolly Parton's 1973 hit "Jolene" has been ranked among the greatest country songs of all time by the place that best knows country music: the Grand Ole Opry.
In a feature on the 100 best country songs of all time, Nicole Judd highlights "Jolene" as one of the greatest moments in country music in the 1970s.
What's not to love about this iconic song? Between Parton's twangy, slightly heartbroken drawl and the eerie guitar lines, it's simply a perfect country song.
The Personal Backstory Behind 'Jolene'
"One of the most instantly recognizable songs in country music history, 'Jolene' was written by Dolly Parton in a matter of hours—but it has lasted a lifetime," Judd states in feature. "Inspired by a red-haired bank teller who flirted with Dolly's husband, the song captures the desperate plea of a woman begging another not to steal her man."
"Jolene" was a massive hit out the gate. It reached No. 1 on the country chart in 1974 and earned Grammy Hall of Fame honors in 2014.
"Whether sung by Dolly, other Opry stars like Carly Pearce and Rhonda Vincent, or even rockers like The White Stripes, the song proves that no one is immune to the power of Jolene," Judd adds in the piece. "Miley Cyrus, Olivia Newton-John, Mindy Smith and Pentatonix have all put their spin on this modern classic."
Dolly Parton also sang the song at a seminal Opry show in 2019, in honor of her 50th anniversary as an Opry member.
In a separate feature, Audio Ink Radio names "Jolene" the best country song of all time, for any era.
"You can measure a song by how well it survives its own success, and this one has been lived in for decades," writer Scarlett Hunter states. "Covered, borrowed, stretched across genres that don’t always play nice with country. It doesn't matter."
Hunter adds, "Strip it back down and it's still the same thing: a voice, a fear, a request hanging in the air. Most songs lose something when they travel. This one keeps finding new angles."
Dolly Parton's "Jolene" is available to stream wherever you get your music.