The One Singer Dolly Parton Called “Pure Evil” – The Full Story
Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon known for her charm, wit, and philanthropy, is rarely one to stir up drama. However, in a shocking revelation, she once described another famous singer as “pure evil.” Who was this mysterious figure, and what led to such a harsh judgment from the typically gracious Queen of Country?
Who Did Dolly Parton Call “Pure Evil”?
The singer in question is none other than Jolene… or rather, the fictional character from her 1973 hit song. Wait—what?
Yes, the “pure evil” label wasn’t directed at a real-life rival but at the fictional red-haired temptress in her classic song “Jolene.” However, Dolly has playfully personified Jolene over the years, even joking about her in interviews.
But what if we dig deeper? Has Dolly ever had real-life feuds in the music industry? Surprisingly, she’s managed to stay above major conflicts, but there have been moments of tension.
Dolly’s Real-Life Music Industry Tensions
While Dolly has mostly avoided public feuds, she has had subtle clashes with certain figures:
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Porter Wagoner – Her former mentor and duet partner. Their professional split was rocky, with Wagoner suing her for breach of contract when she went solo. However, they later reconciled.
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Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” – Though not a feud, Dolly initially hesitated when Houston wanted to cover her song, fearing it would overshadow her original. Of course, she later embraced its success.
But the “pure evil” comment was reserved for Jolene—a testament to Dolly’s storytelling genius.
Why “Jolene” Felt So Real
Dolly’s 1973 hit “Jolene” tells the story of a woman pleading with a stunning rival not to steal her man. The song’s raw emotion made fans wonder: Was Jolene real?
Dolly has explained that the name came from a young fan who asked for an autograph, while the story was inspired by a bank teller who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean. Yet, she insists Carl never strayed.
“Jolene was just a fantasy character, but she was so real to me that I had to make her pure evil—just for the drama!” – Dolly Parton
How the World Reacted to “Jolene”
The song became a cultural phenomenon, covered by artists like Miley Cyrus, Pentatonix, and even Lil Nas X (who gave it a futuristic twist).
Fan Theories & Social Media Buzz
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Some fans believe Dolly was actually singing about herself—that “Jolene” represents her own insecurities.
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Others joke that Jolene should get her own song responding to Dolly. (In fact, some artists have written “answer songs.”)
Here’s Miley Cyrus’ stunning live performance of “Jolene”:
Watch Miley Cyrus Cover “Jolene” (Live)
Twitter Reactions:
“Dolly calling Jolene ‘pure evil’ is the most dramatic thing she’s ever done and I live for it.” – @CountryMusicFan
“Plot twist: Jolene was the hero all along.” – @MusicTakes
Conclusion: Dolly’s Genius Storytelling
While Dolly Parton has never publicly trashed a fellow artist, her ability to create such a vivid, “evil” character in “Jolene” proves her songwriting brilliance. Whether playful or serious, Dolly’s words always leave an impact.
So, was Jolene truly “pure evil”? Or just misunderstood? One thing’s for sure—Dolly knows how to tell a story that lasts generations.
