If you asked the guy in charge of coop radio the day after she passed youd think it was Islands in the stream given it was played every half hour

Id say its tough because Jolene and 9-5 always seem neck and neck these days

Most people know Dolly is the original singer of IWALY but thats essentially Whitneys signature hit

I'd say Jolene as that's the first one that came to mind but 9 to 5 is a close second. As much as I Will Always Love You is a massive song, most people associate it with Whitney Houston to the point it may even be her signature song 😅

Jolene but 9 To 5 is certainly a strong second. Both iconic.

Maybe everyone already knows this but I just recently found out about the inspiration for 'Jolene' and thought it was sweet. Dolly was giving an autograph to a girl called Jolene, she hadn't heard the name before and thought it was beautiful, told her she'd write a song about it. Then when walking back she tried to keep the name in mind by singing it over and over as a tune to herself. ❤️

'Jolene' is the signature hit for her I'd say as well. I didn't hear '9 to 5' too much as a kid though so could be different if I did hear it a lot then.

On 03/09/2026 at 18:31, CRAZY CHRIS said:

Yes she made more money from that than any other. Refused Elvis permission to record it in 1975 as he wanted half the songwriting royalties which she refused. Good for her. She felt it was a woman's song too.

He siunds like Beyoncé 😆😆 Wanting songwriting royalties whilst not um writing any music ever

Edited September 7Sep 7 by Summer FRUITS!!!!!

3 hours ago, matto said:

Maybe everyone already knows this but I just recently found out about the inspiration for 'Jolene' and thought it was sweet. Dolly was giving an autograph to a girl called Jolene, she hadn't heard the name before and thought it was beautiful, told her she'd write a song about it. Then when walking back she tried to keep the name in mind by singing it over and over as a tune to herself. ❤️

This is an urban legend. Kolwne is based on a bankteller who kept flirting with her husband. It's not based on a child. She already had the song ready and used the child's name to keep the bankteller's identity a secret. That's it.

21 minutes ago, Summer FRUITS!!!!! said:

This is an urban legend. Kolwne is based on a bankteller who kept flirting with her husband. It's not based on a child. She already had the song ready and used the child's name to keep the bankteller's identity a secret. That's it.

Hm, she literally said it in a video I saw (and I'm pretty sure it wasn't AI lol xo)

3 hours ago, matto said:

Maybe everyone already knows this but I just recently found out about the inspiration for 'Jolene' and thought it was sweet. Dolly was giving an autograph to a girl called Jolene, she hadn't heard the name before and thought it was beautiful, told her she'd write a song about it. Then when walking back she tried to keep the name in mind by singing it over and over as a tune to herself. ❤️

Then the girl hears it and she's like, "she's written a song about me trying to steal her man"

3 hours ago, matto said:

1 hour ago, matto said:

Hm, she literally said it in a video I saw (and I'm pretty sure it wasn't AI lol xo)

Celebs say all sorts of stuff in interviews. The song was already made, but she eas looking for a name for the bankteller (can't use the actual name), and liked the fan's name and chose that. But the song isn't about a child.

44 minutes ago, Summer FRUITS!!!!! said:

Celebs say all sorts of stuff in interviews. The song was already made, but she eas looking for a name for the bankteller (can't use the actual name), and liked the fan's name and chose that. But the song isn't about a child.

Makes sense. Tbh I only know the 'Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene' bits off the top of my head...

2 hours ago, Summer FRUITS!!!!! said:

He siunds like Beyoncé 😆😆 Waiting songwriting royalties whilst not um writing any music ever

Hey beyonce changed 2 words thats a lot for her 😅

I always thought Jolene wasn’t anyone in particular but she could be anyone.

Interesting 9 to 5 behind here but has had the better run in the chart. But that’s effected by other things.