WATCH: Jack White Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton With Rare “Jolene” Performance
Jack White has returned to one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs for a deeply personal tribute, performing “Jolene” live for the first time in nearly two decades.
The former White Stripes frontman took the stage to honor the country legend following her death at age 80. White’s performance came as tributes poured in from across the music world, with Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Rob Halford, and numerous other artists sharing their memories and condolences.
Watch footage of Jack White performing “Jolene” live below.
A Song White Hasn’t Played Since 2007
According to setlist.fm, White’s previous performance of “Jolene” took place in 2007, when The White Stripes played Madison Square Garden.
The duo had recorded their own version of the Dolly Parton classic and released it as a B-side to their single “Hello Operator.” The cover quickly became a fan favorite and eventually found a regular place in The White Stripes’ live set. Parton herself praised their interpretation, describing the band’s version as “wonderful.”
White also discussed the song and its unusual title during a 2008 interview with NPR. Reflecting on hearing “Jolene” as a teenager, he explained how the name later influenced the way he thought about songwriting and character names.
“I thought that was an interesting name when I started hearing that song as a teenager,” White recalled. “And I guess later on, as a songwriter, I started to think about names starting with ‘J,’ like, that could be used almost accusatory, like Jezebel…Jolene.”
Parton originally released “Jolene” in 1974. The song quickly became a major country hit, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and earning Parton two Grammy Award nominations.
Dolly Parton’s Rock Era
Parton continued to explore different corners of popular music later in her career. In 2023, she released Rockstar, an ambitious double album built around rock songs and featuring an extensive lineup of high-profile guests.
The album brought together artists from across the rock world, including Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Elton John, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, Sting, Ann Wilson of Heart, John Fogerty, Kid Rock, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett, and many others.
Rockstar reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 while also topping both Billboard’s Top Country Albums and Top Rock Albums charts. Three years after its release, the album has been certified Gold by the RIAA.
Parton also made a notable rock appearance last year, joining Mötley Crüe for a new version of the band’s 1985 hit “Home Sweet Home.” The collaboration marked the 40th anniversary of Mötley Crüe’s Theatre of Pain album.
White Continues His World Tour
White’s tribute to Parton comes while he is in the middle of a major world tour supporting his latest acclaimed album, Frozen Charlotte.
For fans familiar with The White Stripes’ long-standing connection to “Jolene,” the performance offered a rare return to a song White had not performed live in 19 years, now taking on an added significance as a tribute to the artist who originally made it famous.