The singer's hit song was released in October 1973, and was inspired by a woman who had a crush on her husband, Carl Dean, who died on March 3

Dolly Parton released "Jolene” in 1973. The song was actually inspired by real people. The country music icon revealed the meaning of the song back in 2008. It's hard to imagine any woman posing a threat to Dolly Parton—even a fiery redhead with ivory skin and eyes of emerald green.

Here's how Dolly Parton's relationship with Carl Dean in their early years of marriage played a role in the creation of one of her most iconic songs.

Dolly Parton has explained that her 1973 hit "Jolene" was inspired by her husband Carl Thomas Dean, who has died at age 82.

The singer appeared Friday at her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, where she helped launch the resort's 40th season following Dean's death on March 3.