Whether you’re a devoted fan of Dolly Parton, chances are you’ve come across the timeless tune called “Jolene.” Released over 35 years ago, it has remained one of her most iconic and beloved songs. It has captivated audiences of all kinds.
Parton shared the story behind the lyrics of “Jolene,” revealing that it was inspired by an incident involving her husband, Carl Dean, who visited a local bank. During his visit, a clerk with fiery red hair flirted with him. At that time, Parton and Dean had been married for a short while, and she was not particularly pleased with the girl’s actions.
Hence, she penned the song with heartfelt lyrics pleading, “please don’t take my man.” As for the song’s title, an intriguing twist unfolded during one of her tours when a young fan rushed onto the stage seeking her autograph. The name of that enthusiastic fan? Jolene.
The queen of parodies
Garnetta Rickett, the queen of parodies, has gained significant recognition for her exceptional talent as a parody artist. Her skills were recently showcased when she appeared on the popular Bob & Sheri morning talk show. The catalyst for her appearance was Sheri’s discovery of Rickett’s rendition of “Jolene.”
Beyond funny
Sheri describes the experience of watching the parody as uproariously funny, stating that she was “on the floor snort laughing.” During the interview, Sheri inquired about Rickett’s choice to parody the song “Jolene.” Rickett’s response shed light on her motivation, sharing, “Well, I had a lot of friends at the time complaining about their husbands or boyfriends being underfoot.”
The darn pandemic
In these times of the ongoing pandemic, many women find themselves in a similar situation, desiring their significant others to return to work and alleviate the shared confinement. Rickett hails from a musically inclined family and boasts an extensive collection of Dolly Parton videos, showcasing her deep appreciation for the iconic artist.
Movie comparisons: During the conversation with the morning show hosts, Sherri expressed that being confined at home with a partner is far from resembling a heartwarming Hallmark movie. Rickett swiftly interjected, likening the experience more to the intense thriller “Misery.”
She understands quarantine all too well: Having firsthand experience with extended periods of isolation, Rickett shared that she has been under quarantine for a considerable duration while caring for her 76-year-old mother, who is on hospice. She humorously remarked that she has become so adept at navigating quarantine life that she could impart survival lessons to others.
Diehard Parton fan: As an avid follower of Dolly Parton, Rickett revealed her unwavering devotion, stating that she listens to Parton’s music regularly. She expressed a profound fondness for the specific song in question. One day, inspiration struck her while enjoying it on a YouTube channel, compelling her to create a parody. The rest, as they say, is history.
Switching things up: In her amusing parody, Rickett appears in disheveled hair and a bathrobe, ready to switch things up. Venting her frustrations, she expresses her weariness and dissatisfaction. The familiar tune of “Jolene” fills the air, but instead of the original lyrics pleading, “please don’t take my man,” she playfully alters them to “please come to get my man.”
It gets better: But it doesn’t stop there. Rickett eagerly wishes for someone to swiftly take her man away. With a mischievous grin, she sings, “He’s big and strong, like a bear, he even has all his hair, but I cannot stand him, Jolene.” Her facial expressions are truly priceless, showcasing her talent as the queen of parodies.
She’s not done yet: Her performance continues as she belts out, “All he does is sleep and eat, I’m tired of his smelly feet, I’ve really had enough of him, Jolene.” Taking a sip of wine to punctuate the moment, she humorously declares, “This quarantine is killing me, and I just can’t hardly see spending another minute with him, Jolene.”
This parody is an absolute riot. Throughout the three-minute video, Rickett flawlessly parodies the song, leaving viewers in stitches. Her comedic timing and facial expressions are absolutely hilarious. Every aspect of this parody is on point. Considering the challenging times we’re all facing, if you’re in need of a good laugh, this video is guaranteed to have you rolling on the floor.
We invite you to watch it below and prepare yourself for a hearty chuckle.
