There are certain songs that have stood the test of time, regardless of how many times they are heard or how old they are. One such song is “Jolene,” written and released by the iconic Dolly Parton back in 1974. This timeless classic tells the story of a beautiful redhead who flirted with Dolly’s husband, capturing the hearts of listeners everywhere, as reported by Newsweek.
Dolly Parton’s exquisite vocals combined with the heartfelt lyrics propelled the song to the top of the charts. Even today, “Jolene” remains a beloved country music masterpiece.
In 2012, Dolly’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, breathed new life into the song with her own soulful rendition, once again thrusting “Jolene” into public consciousness. It’s rare for a song to be reimagined decades later and maintain the same fervor, but Miley Cyrus effortlessly captured the essence of the original while adding her unique touch.
Then came 2016, a year that brought fans an unforgettable collaboration between the legendary Dolly Parton, the modern pop star Miley Cyrus, and the acapella superstars, Pentatonix, on the TV show “The Voice.” Miley Cyrus was a coach on the show, while Dolly Parton appeared as a guest to promote her NBC Christmas movie, “Christmas of Many Colors.”
The performance itself was a visual spectacle. The three music powerhouses strategically positioned themselves on a black-and-white semi-circular stage, delivering a flawless rendition of “Jolene” that left the audience and judges in awe.
For Dolly Parton, the performance was a much-needed respite from a series of unfortunate events. Her home in Tennessee had been ravaged by wildfires, and her beloved theme park, Dollywood, had also suffered damages, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. Despite the hardships, Dolly remained resilient, expressing her sadness while emphasizing her appreciation for the courageous emergency responders battling the devastating wildfires in her “home town.”
One of Dolly Parton’s most admirable qualities is her unwavering spirit and ability to perform, even in the face of adversity. Her collaboration with Miley Cyrus, accompanied by the powerful vocals of Pentatonix, blessed not only the audience that witnessed it but also anyone who has had the privilege of hearing their beautiful rendition of “Jolene” – a song originally penned decades ago about a flirtatious redhead at the local bank.
