Introduction

Abstract Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” has become a cultural phenomenon for several reasons. First, Dolly is an icon, and “Jolene” is one of her most well-known songs. When people allude to Jolene, they evoke Dolly and all that she signifies. Second, the song is eminently singable. Third, the name Jolene is unusual, making it an ideal name for the archetype of the “other woman.” Fourth, the name Jolene has a specific look (red hair, green eyes). Fifth, the song taps into feelings of loss through a classic trope, the cheating song. But these feelings expand beyond the loss of a partner. The song encompasses yearning—the loss of something more abstract and ineffable. Finally, the song’s ambiguity is at the root of its power: what does Jolene decide to do? Thus, hundreds of musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, and listeners have used the song to express their own stories, viewpoints, and identities.