Dolly Parton, the celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress, penned the enduring hit "I Will Always Love You." While many associate the song with romantic heartbreak, Parton originally wrote it as a personal farewell to her mentor and collaborator, Porter Wagoner.
Parton, who played multiple instruments including the banjo, harp, piano, and saxophone, achieved her first number one hit and Grammy nomination with "Joshua" in 1971. She departed "The Porter Wagoner Show" in 1974 to pursue a solo career. It was during this transition that she wrote "I Will Always Love You" to express her feelings to Wagoner. According to her website, upon hearing the song, Wagoner was deeply moved, calling it the "prettiest song I ever heard."
A Near Miss with Elvis Presley
In 1974, Elvis Presley was set to record a cover of the song. However, the deal fell through when Presley's manager insisted on retaining half of the songwriting rights. Parton reportedly cried all night over the difficult decision. Years later, Priscilla Presley shared that Elvis had sung the song to her during their divorce.
Whitney Houston's Global Hit
The song found a new life in 1992 when Whitney Houston recorded a powerful ballad version. Parton recalled hearing Houston's cover for the first time while driving, experiencing such an overwhelming emotional reaction that she had to pull over. She described the moment as one of the most profound she had ever experienced, considering Houston's rendition of her "sad little country song" one of her life's proudest achievements.
Parton also re-recorded "I Will Always Love You" for the 1982 film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," in which she starred and received a Golden Globe nomination for best actress. The song, alongside other timeless hits like "Jolene," cemented Parton's legacy as a global music icon.