A woman from Prince George speculates that she could be the inspiration behind Dolly Parton’s iconic song “Jolene.” Juline Whelan crossed paths with the singer in 1972, fitting the description of the young girl that Parton claims influenced the song’s title.

During an interview with a Norwegian television program in 2008, Dolly Parton shared the story of encountering a little girl with red hair, green eyes, and fair skin named Jolene. She promised the girl to write a song about her, which later became the renowned tune.

Although Juline Whelan doesn’t recall the specific conversation, she vividly remembers meeting Dolly Parton in 1972, just a year before “Jolene” was recorded. At the age of 10, Whelan attended a country music concert featuring Parton during a family trip to Disneyland. She approached the stage for an autograph, showcasing her admiration for Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors.”

Years later, after watching a TV movie about Dolly Parton’s life in 2015, Whelan conducted research that led her to the interview where Parton described meeting a girl resembling her. The revelation left Whelan connecting the dots and realizing the potential inspiration behind the song.

The frequent mix-up of her name with “Jolene” further cemented Whelan’s belief in the connection. She expressed how accustomed she was to people mistaking her name, making the association more plausible in her mind.

Despite the song’s mature theme of love and jealousy, Whelan initially found it bothersome when others teased her with its lyrics. However, over time, she developed an appreciation for the song and its cultural impact.

Looking forward to Dolly Parton’s upcoming performance in Vancouver, Whelan hopes for another encounter with the singer, even though she admits she might be at a loss for words in that moment.