Dolly Parton's hit song was released in October 1973 and has since been covered by dozens of musicians. She previously said that the ballad was "loosely based on a little bit of truth" by a woman who had a crush on the singer's late husband,

Here's how Dolly Parton's relationship with Carl Dean in their early years of marriage played a role in the creation of one of her most iconic songs.

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s devoted husband of nearly 60 years who avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene,” died Monday. He was 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton’s publicist, Dean died in Nashville, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.