Dolly Parton, a name synonymous with country music royalty, is the creative force behind the iconic ballad “I Will Always Love You.” While Whitney Houston’s powerhouse rendition propelled the song to global superstardom in the 1990s, the heartfelt origins of this timeless classic trace back to Parton’s Nashville beginnings in the early 1970s. This is the story of how a song born from professional parting became a soundtrack for generations of love and longing, traversing genres and decades to solidify its place in music history.
From Nashville Roots: The Birth of a Country Classic
In the tapestry of country music history, Dolly Parton stands as a luminary. Her journey from rural East Tennessee to the heart of Nashville in 1964 was fueled by an ambition to shine as a solo artist. Early collaborations offered glimpses of her talent, most notably a duet with Bill Phillips. However, it was her invitation to join Porter Wagoner’s TV show that truly catapulted her into the limelight. Wagoner, a country music star, not only featured Parton on his show but also signed her to his label, setting the stage for her ascent.
Their partnership began musically with a cover of Tom Paxton’s “The Last Thing on My Mind,” achieving top 10 country success in 1968. Yet, by 1973, Parton felt a compelling need to carve her own path. “I had come to Nashville to be my own star,” she recounted to Howard Stern in a 2023 interview, emphasizing her ambition beyond being a “girl singer.” This desire for independence, coupled with deep gratitude towards Wagoner for the opportunities he provided, sparked the emotional core of “I Will Always Love You.”
The song was conceived as a heartfelt farewell to Wagoner, a way for Parton to express her appreciation while asserting her need to move forward. The emotional complexity of leaving a significant professional relationship, a blend of gratitude and the yearning for personal growth, poured into the lyrics. Parton described the songwriting process as a direct response to her conflicted emotions, seeking to articulate her feelings through music. The result was a poignant ballad, imbued with both tenderness and a resolute spirit of independence.
Elvis Presley’s Near Miss and a Missed Opportunity
Following its release, “I Will Always Love You” quickly climbed the country charts, solidifying its place as a Parton original. Its success caught the ear of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, who expressed keen interest in recording a cover. For Parton, the prospect of Elvis singing her song was a monumental validation, a dream come true for any songwriter. However, the excitement was short-lived due to a significant hurdle presented by Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Just before the scheduled recording session, Parker contacted Parton with a proposition: Elvis would record “I Will Always Love You” only if Parton agreed to relinquish half of the song’s publishing rights. This demand presented Parton with a difficult choice. While the prestige of an Elvis cover was immense, surrendering a portion of her songwriting ownership was a significant concession. Demonstrating sharp business acumen and a belief in her song’s value, Parton made the tough decision to decline the offer. Turning down Elvis Presley was undoubtedly painful, filled with “crying all night,” as she admitted, yet it proved to be a pivotal moment in the song’s history, preserving her ownership and future earnings.
The Bodyguard and Whitney Houston’s Global Anthem
Years later, “I Will Always Love You” found its destiny in an unexpected realm: Hollywood. Lawrence Kasdan’s screenplay for “The Bodyguard,” a romantic drama centered on a pop star and her protector, was conceived in 1975. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that the film materialized, starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, a pop icon at the peak of her career. The film project sought a powerful soundtrack, and serendipitously, “I Will Always Love You” was chosen to be its centerpiece, largely due to Kevin Costner’s suggestion of a country song for Houston.
Initially, skepticism surrounded the idea of Houston, known for her R&B and pop prowess, singing a country ballad. Nevertheless, a demo tape featuring Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 cover of Parton’s song was presented. Producer David Foster reimagined the song, crafting a dramatic, soaring arrangement that showcased Houston’s vocal range and emotional depth. Houston herself, aware of Parton’s authorship, expressed admiration and concern about doing justice to the original. Her rendition, beginning with an a cappella opening at Costner’s suggestion, built into a crescendo of vocal power, transforming Parton’s “simple song” into a monumental power ballad.
Parton’s reaction upon hearing Houston’s version for the first time was one of utter astonishment and delight. Driving home, she was overwhelmed by the transformation, so much so that she had to pull over her car. She described it as one of the “greatest experiences” of her life, marveling at how her “little country sad song” had been elevated to such heights.
A Legacy of Love and Enduring Impact
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” became a global phenomenon, dominating music charts worldwide. It spent a staggering 14 weeks at the top of the US Billboard charts and 10 weeks in the UK, becoming the best-selling single of the year in both countries. The song garnered numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1994, cementing its status as a modern classic. The financial success was equally impressive, with reports indicating that Parton earned over $10 million in royalties from Houston’s cover in the 1990s alone. Demonstrating both generosity and a meaningful tribute to Houston, Parton invested a portion of these royalties in a Black community in Nashville, honoring the profound impact of Houston’s rendition.
The song’s cultural resonance persists, evident in its continued popularity and influence. Even recent events, such as audience sing-alongs disrupting live performances of “The Bodyguard” musical, underscore the song’s enduring connection with audiences. For Dolly Parton, the journey of “I Will Always Love You” has been extraordinary. Reflecting on the missed Elvis opportunity, she humorously notes that the song’s subsequent success has more than compensated for it, allowing her to “buy Graceland” multiple times over. From its humble origins as a heartfelt farewell in country music to its transformation into a global anthem of love and devotion, “I Will Always Love You” stands as a testament to the power of songwriting and the unpredictable journey of a timeless ballad, forever linked to both Dolly Parton’s artistry and Whitney Houston’s unforgettable voice.
