Dolly Parton Performs Updated Version Of 'Jolene' About Hand Washing

May 28, 2020

By now we're all fairly used to quarantine and all of the things we must do to keep transmission of COVID-19 down. That includes washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, which has sparked a trend online for people singing the choruses of songs to know the correct duration.

One song that has had people making coronavirus covers is Dolly Parton's Jolene. Well, now the singer herself has released a hand-washing video complete with her own variation of her song Jolene.

In the video posted to Facebook, Dolly appears wearing a cute black-and-red long-sleeve shirt and matching baseball cap, while her face looks stunning as always with some dark eyeliner. She's standing at the sink washing her hands and begins by saying: "Well hey there! I'm in here in my bubble making bubbles, washing my hands. You know you gotta wash them for at least 20 seconds."

While she's washing she points out that she's keeping the tap running on low so as to save water. She then goes on to consider what to do to pass the time and unexpectedly breaks out into her hit song Jolene. But it's no ordinary rendition. As the chorus progresses, it becomes clear that Dolly has made a quarantine version that goes like this:

"Jolene Jolene Jolene Jolene, I'm begging of you, please don't touch my man. Jolene Jolene Jolene Jolene, if you touch him, please go wash your hands." 

The lovable Dolly then lets out a laugh and points out that she's been washing her hands for about one minute not 20 seconds. She says that she's going to wash the soap off and wishes for everyone to "be safe."

One of the positives of the coronavirus pandemic has been seeing how many celebrities have wanted to do their bit to contribute however they can. From talk show hosts continuing their programs from home, with guests joining via video stream, to celebrities putting out public service announcements surrounding hand washing and staying at home, it's really a time when everyone has come together.

In fact, Dolly's coronavirus cover of Jolene isn't the first—fans have already made their own versions. One artist named 3 Mile Smile recorded her cover of Jolene as she mimed washing her hands in the FixnMixStudio. Another woman named Patty Casey played the guitar while she changed the lyrics to: "Stay clean, stay clean, stay clean, stay clean."

Whichever version you prefer, the song helps because it's something many people know and the chorus lasts for at least 20 seconds. So next time you lather up, take a leaf out of Dolly's book.

What did you think of Dolly's rendition of Jolene as she demonstrated washing her hands? Let us know your favorite song to sing as you wash your hands in the comments below! Then pass this on to any friends and family, especially those who are Dolly Parton fans.