Dolly Parton's hit song was released in October 1973 and has since been covered by dozens of musicians. She previously said that the ballad was "loosely based on a little bit of truth" by a woman who had a crush on the singer's late husband,

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

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.

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s devoted husband of nearly 60 years who avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene,” died Monday. He was 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton’s publicist, Dean died in Nashville, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.

She and Dean got married on May 30, 1966 (Memorial Day) in a small ceremony attended by only Parton’s mother Avie Lee Parton, the preacher, and his wife. At that point, Parton had released a handful of singles and was a year away from the release of her 1967 debut album Hello, I’m Dolly.

Mr. Dean, who inspired songs including “Jolene” and “From Here to the Moon and Back,” was known to shy away from the spotlight as his wife rose to fame.