Whitney, Dolly, and the Benjamins: How Much Did "I Will Always Love You" Really Pay?
Ah, "I Will Always Love You." The song that makes grown men weep, air guitars erupt in living rooms, and voices crack trying to hit those high notes (bless you, Whitney). But beyond the raw emotion, there's a lingering question: how much did this iconic ballad line Whitney Houston's pockets?
Hold on to Your Hats (But Not Your Wigs): Whitney's Estimated Haul
Let's get down to business. Estimates suggest Whitney might have brought home a cool million bucks from the song itself. Not bad, right? But that's like the sprinkles on a cupcake – the real deliciousness lies elsewhere.
The Bodyguard Soundtrack: A Cash Cow with Whitney at the Helm
"I Will Always Love You" wasn't just a song; it was the crown jewel of The Bodyguard soundtrack, which became the best-selling soundtrack of all time. Think about it: that soundtrack was basically a Whitney Houston concert in your car. And let's be honest, who wouldn't pay to be serenaded by THE Whitney Houston?
So, while a million bucks is a nice chunk of change, it's likely just a fraction of what Whitney earned thanks to the song's overall success. She was the driving force, the voice that propelled that soundtrack to legendary heights.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Dolly Parton is a Boss)
Here's the plot twist: Dolly Parton, the original songstress behind "I Will Always Love You," was the one who wrote the song. And let me tell you, writing a song that becomes a global phenomenon tends to come with some hefty royalty checks. Estimates suggest Dolly earned a whopping $10 million from Whitney's version. Not bad for a song she wrote as a farewell to her mentor (though, let's be real, Whitney made it her own masterpiece).
The Moral of the Story?
Talent, a killer voice, and a whole lot of heart – that's the recipe for success, honey. Whitney brought the magic, Dolly wrote the anthem, and together they created a timeless classic. And hey, even if Whitney didn't break the bank with "I Will Always Love You" itself, her legacy as a vocalist and performer is priceless.
