Dolly Parton wrote "I Will Always Love You" in 1973 as a fond farewell to Porter Wagoner when she exited his TV show. Parton was poised to begin a triumphant solo career. First, however, she wanted to express her gratitude to him for everything he had done for her professionally. The intense and sincere feeling in the lyrics resounds in each word.
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Parton could never have guessed that almost twenty years later, a phenomenal young artist named Whitney Houston would record a dramatic, passionate cover of the song. It was featured on the soundtrack of her film co-starring Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard.
Per Biography via The Hollywood Reporter, that soundtrack LP became "the top selling soundtrack of all time." And what did Dolly Parton think the first time she unexpectedly heard Houston sing 'I Will Always Love You"? She was utterly bowled over with amazement, gratitude, and pride.
Parton First Heard Houston's Cover While She Was Driving
The singer was at the wheel in 1992 when the powerful song came on the radio. At first, she did not recognize it as hers. Per the outlet, "I thought, 'That sounds familiar — If I should stay,' And it didn't hit me. It was just one of those things where [you think], 'What is that?' And, then all the sudden, when she started singing, 'I will always love you.' I just about wrecked the car."
That Song Almost Did Not Get in the Movie
Parton recalled that Costner and his secretary really liked her song. Nevertheless, they had another one that was ready to be used in the film. Parton said, "They were just in a panic at the last minute. And so they asked me about the song. I sent it. I didn't hear anything more."
Execs at Arista Records, Houston's recording label, were reportedly initially balking about having the song in the film. After some effective cajoling from Costner, they eventually relented. They probably did not regret the move. "I Will Always Love You" earned Whitney Houston a Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy.
Parton Was Thrilled at the Outcome
The singer said, "When Whitney did 'I Will Always Love You,' I mean look what a grand song she made out of that simple, heartfelt, you know, song... it was just amazing. Whitney is the one who took it worldwide and really made it a household word — or song, I should say — so I'll always be thankful to her for that."
In addition, according to the outlet, the massive success of that track made people look at Parton as "a serious songwriter" to be reckoned with.
