One of the most famous Dolly Parton songs ever written and recorded is the song “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly Parton’s version of the hit song that she performed in the movie “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” was amazing and that was the first time I ever heard it.
However, “I Will Always Love You” became virally popular when it was sung by the late great Whitney Houston for the soundtrack for “The Bodyguard,” a film starring Whitney Houston in 1992.
Who Wrote Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”?
Although Whitney Houston made the song “I Will Always Love You” famous, the song was written by Dolly. Dolly Parton originally recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1973. When Dolly wrote the song, it was an ode to her former mentor and business partner of seven years, Porter Wagoner.
The Success of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”
Dolly Parton had been a regular on “The Porter Wagoner Show” and she made the decision to leave the show to pursue a solo career.” Although Dolly’s version of “I Will Always Love You” wasn’t as huge as Whitney Houston’s version, it was still a commercial success and ranked number one on the charts for Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.
Here’s a fun fact. In an interview, Dolly Parton revealed that she wrote her other mega-hit, “Jolene,” on the same day that she wrote “I Will Always Love You.”
History of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”
When Whitney Houston recorded “I Will Always Love You” for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, the single that she released spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100’s number one spot. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is one of the best-selling singles in music history.
Also, Whitney’s version of “I Will Always Love You” is the top-selling single by a woman in the history of music. Moreover, when Whitney Houston died in 2012, her song re-entered the charts.
On several occasions, Dolly Parton has expressed gratitude for Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You.” Why? Because the song has made her a ton of money.
Covers of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”
Countless artists, both amateur and professional, have covered “I Will Always Love You.” These include LeAnn Rimes, Linda Ronstadt, and Sarah Washington. However, this young lady named Diana performed “I Will Always Love You” on “The Voice Kids” and she knocked it out of the park.
I have to say that I was astonished and impressed by this young woman’s talent. Enjoy!
Besides Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton, this is the best cover of “I Will Always Love You” that we’ve ever heard. Bravo, Diana!
