DOLLY PARTON: WHY SHE BELIEVED LAUGHTER COULD CARRY YOU THROUGH ALMOST ANYTHING
Long before Dolly Parton became one of the most recognizable figures in American music, she learned something that would remain central to her personality: humor can make difficult moments easier to bear. Raised in the mountains of Tennessee, Dolly grew up in a large, close-knit family where storytelling, teasing, faith, and laughter were part of everyday life. That sense of humor would eventually become one of her most recognizable trademarks.
Background
One of the stories Dolly has shared about her grandfather perfectly captures the attitude. When he questioned her fascination with makeup and her desire to look glamorous, Dolly famously joked about the alternative: “Do I have to look like hell when I get there?” The line became classic Dolly—playful, self-aware, and just provocative enough to turn an ordinary family exchange into a memorable story.
Her humor was never simply about getting a laugh. Dolly has repeatedly spoken about laughter as something capable of helping people survive difficult circumstances. She has compared it to medicine because, in her view, sometimes a good laugh can lift a person’s spirit when nothing else seems to work.
Introduction
That philosophy became part of the Dolly Parton experience. Whether discussing heartbreak, poverty, aging, fame, or her famously elaborate appearance, she has rarely been afraid to laugh at herself. The humor makes the glamour feel human and allows audiences to see the woman behind the rhinestones.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, JoleneI’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my manJolene, Jolene, Jolene, JolenePlease don’t take him just because you canYour beauty is beyond compareWith flaming locks of auburn hairWith ivory skin and eyes of emerald greenYour smile is like a breath of springYour voice is soft like summer rainAnd I cannot compete with you, JoleneHe talks about you in his sleepAnd there’s nothin’ I can do to keepFrom cryin’ when he calls your name, JoleneAnd I can easily understandHow you could easily take my manBut you don’t know what he means to me, JoleneJolene, Jolene, Jolene, JoleneI’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my manJolene, Jolene, Jolene, JolenePlease don’t take him just because you canYou could have your choice of menBut I could never love againHe’s the only one for me, JoleneI had to have this talk with youMy happiness depends on youAnd whatever you decide to do, JoleneJolene, Jolene, Jolene, JoleneI’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my manJolene, Jolene, Jolene, JolenePlease don’t take him even though you canJolene, Jolene