Rolling Stone surveys 20 songs that cover, reinterpret or answer Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”, presenting the 1973 country hit as an unusually durable template for artists across genres and generations.

– “Jolene” was inspired by a red-haired bank teller’s attention towards Parton’s husband; its title came from a girl seeking an autograph.
– Although it topped the country chart, it did not reach the US pop Top 50 and lost a 1975 Grammy nomination.
– Its reputation has since grown worldwide, including a Beyoncé version on Cowboy Carter and Rolling Stone’s ranking at 63rd among its 500 greatest songs.
– The list includes 10 direct covers and 10 response songs or spin-offs, demonstrating the song’s flexibility.
– The White Stripes’ sparse, haunted cover introduced Parton’s song to many rock-oriented millennials.
– Cam’s 2017 response song “Diane” tells the story from Jolene’s perspective, portraying her as remorseful and unaware.