The Booty Report

News and Updates for Swashbucklers Everywhere

Arrr, matey! That scallywag Carl Dean be the treasure behind Dolly's tunes, makin' her sing like a siren!

2025-03-04

Arrr, matey! Dolly’s heart sang a tune o’ woe ‘bout a landlubber bank lass, all smitten with her matey Carl! Aye, that be the tale behind "Jolene," a shanty born from jealousy on the high seas of love. Avast! What a merry mess that be!

Ahoy mateys! Gather 'round as I spin ye a yarn about the fair lass Dolly Parton and her dearly departed swab, Carl Dean! This scallywag, who shuffled off this mortal coil at 82, be the muse behind one o' Dolly's most famed sea shanties, "Jolene." Aye, it all began when a bank teller set her sights on the dandy Carl back in the 1970s, causing Dolly to pen a tune plead’n with the lass not to steal her treasure of a man!

"That be an innocent song, ye see," Dolly be tellin' NPR long ago. Carl, ever the charmer, loved the bank visits for that lady’s sweet attention, ensurin' a hearty laugh between the lovebirds. But the name "Jolene" did not spring from this tale alone! Nay, it came from a wee lass at a concert, with hair as red as a sunset and eyes like emeralds. Dolly thought, "Blimey! That be a name worth songin' over!"

In 1973, "Jolene" sailed to the top o' the charts and has been covered by many a talented soul, including Miley Cyrus and Queen Bey herself! The tune has a catchy lick that even a babe could sing. As Dolly mourns her mate of over six decades, she treasures their love, sharing, "Thank ye for yer prayers." Carl be laid to rest quietly, but his legacy be as bright as a treasure chest o’ gold! Yarrr!

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