About

Jolene Reeves is the real-life inspiration behind Dolly Parton’s iconic hit song “Jolene.” In her debut memoir, The Original Jolene: Life Behind the Lyrics, she shares the untold story behind the song and the extraordinary journey that followed.

Originally from Michigan and now living in Atlanta, Georgia, Jolene works as a practice manager in a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) practice, helping deliver telemedicine services to rural communities with limited access to specialized care. Her dedication to supporting women and families mirrors the compassion and strength found throughout her writing.

What inspired Jolene to finally tell her story was the recent passing of Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean in March 2025. Having lost her own husband to COVID five years earlier, Jolene felt a renewed urgency to reconnect with Dolly and preserve the legacy they unexpectedly share. The Original Jolene is more than a memoir—it’s a celebration of identity, music, and the power of owning your narrative before time slips away.

With warmth, wit, and unflinching honesty, Jolene invites readers into her world—exploring the truth behind the lyrics, the legacy of country music, and the resilience of a woman who turned an unexpected moment in history into a platform for storytelling and empowerment.