Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' Crowned Best Country Song of All Time by Billboard

The iconic singer-songwriter's 1973 hit topped the list of the 100 greatest country songs.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Billboard recently released its ranking of the 100 best country songs of all time, and Dolly Parton's 1973 classic "Jolene" came out on top. The song, inspired by a bank worker who caught Parton's husband's eye, has become one of the most popular country tracks in history.

Why it matters

Parton's enduring popularity and influence in country music is further cemented by this recognition from Billboard. "Jolene" has become an iconic song that has transcended its original context to become a beloved standard, showcasing Parton's songwriting prowess.

The details

According to the Billboard ranking, the top 10 country songs of all time include classics like Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man," Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places," and Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line." Parton recounted that she was inspired to write "Jolene" after meeting an 8-year-old girl with striking features who had the same name.

  • Dolly Parton's "Jolene" was released in 1973.
  • Billboard released its ranking of the 100 best country songs of all time in 2026.

The players

Dolly Parton

A legendary country singer-songwriter and the writer of the song "Jolene," which was named the best country song of all time by Billboard.

Jolene

The name of the 8-year-old girl who inspired Parton to write the song "Jolene."

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What they’re saying

“There was a girl that worked at the bank when my husband and I first got married. She got a big crush on him, and I think he kind of had a crush on her. I knew he was spending more time at the bank than we had money. So, I called him on it, and so I kind of took that little bit of that 'other woman' kind of thing.”

— Dolly Parton (60 Minutes Australia)

“One night, I was on stage, and there was this beautiful little girl. She was probably 8 years old at the time. And she had this beautiful red hair, this beautiful skin, these beautiful green eyes, and she was looking up at me, holding, you know, for an autograph. I said, 'Well, you're the prettiest little thing I ever saw. So, what is your name?' And she said, 'Jolene.' And I said, 'Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene.' I said, 'That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I'm going to write a song about that.'”

— Dolly Parton (NPR)

The takeaway

Dolly Parton's enduring legacy as a country music icon is further cemented by this recognition of her 1973 hit "Jolene" as the best country song of all time. The song's timeless appeal and Parton's ability to craft a memorable narrative through her songwriting have solidified its place as a country music classic.