“Jolene” was released as a single in late 1973, in advance of her 1974 album of the same name.

In addition to being a #1 country hit in both the U.S. and Canada, it became an international crossover hit, charting in 6 different countries, and reaching the top 10 in both the UK and Ireland.

“Jolene” has been covered numerous times by major country, rock and pop artists. Most notable is The White Stripes‘ 2004 live cover, which reached the top 20 in the UK.

Rolling Stone named “Jolene” one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

The song is about a tale of a woman confronting Jolene, a stunningly beautiful woman, who she believes is trying to steal away her lover and begging her “please don’t take my man.” Throughout the song, the woman implores Jolene “please don’t take him just because you can.” According to Parton, the song was inspired by a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with her husband Carl Dean at his local bank branch around the time they were newly married. In an interview, she also revealed that Jolene’s name and appearance are based on that of a young fan who came on stage for her autograph.