In 1972, a woman from Prince George named Juline Whelan encountered Dolly Parton, sparking speculation that she might be the real-life inspiration behind the iconic song “Jolene.” Parton had previously shared a story about meeting a little girl named Jolene with red hair, green eyes, and fair skin, which led her to write the song.
Whelan, now reflecting on that meeting, recalls being 10 years old when she attended a country music concert featuring Parton during a family trip to Disneyland. She approached the singer for an autograph, impressed by Parton’s performance of “Coat of Many Colors.”
It wasn’t until years later, after watching a TV movie about Parton’s life in 2015, that Whelan connected the dots. Researching the origins of the song “Jolene,” she stumbled upon Parton’s description of the red-haired girl, leading her to consider the possibility that she was the inspiration.
The resemblance between Whelan and the description of the little girl in Parton’s story, coupled with the frequent mix-up of her name with “Jolene,” further fueled Whelan’s belief that she could be the muse behind the song.
Although the song’s theme revolves around a plea to another woman not to interfere in a relationship, Whelan has come to appreciate the song’s artistry over time, despite enduring teasing from classmates and colleagues who sang the lyrics to her. She now finds humor in the situation and has grown fond of the song.
As Dolly Parton prepares for a performance in Vancouver on September 19, Whelan hopes for another opportunity to meet the singer, though she admits she may be too overwhelmed to find the right words if the meeting materializes.