Dolly Parton: Cupid with a Guitar, or the Woman Who Accidentally Wrote a Billion-Dollar Breakup Anthem for Whitney Houston
We all know and love Whitney Houston's heart-wrenching, voice-cracking rendition of "I Will Always Love You," right? The song that soundtracked a good chunk of the 90s, turned carpool karaoke sessions into emotional breakdowns, and made us all question if WE would ever love someone THAT much? But did you know the song's origins are about as far from a dramatic film romance as you can get? Get ready for some whiplash, folks, because this story involves Dolly Parton, a business disagreement, and a whole lotta love (but not the romantic kind).
From the Smoky Mountains to the Big Screen: The Unexpected Journey of "I Will Always Love You"
Imagine this: Dolly Parton, a young, bubbly singer with a voice like melted butter and hair that could rival a Dolly Lama convention, is tearing up the country charts. But she's not doing it solo. Oh no, she's belting out tunes alongside the legendary Porter Wagoner on his popular TV show. Think Kenny Rogers and Reba McEntire, but with even more rhinestones. Now, Dolly, bless her heart, wanted to branch out on her own. Spread her wings, fly solo, the whole metaphorical rodeo. But Porter, well, let's just say he wasn't exactly on board with the idea.
Enter "I Will Always Love You," a song Dolly wrote as a kind of goodbye letter to Porter. It wasn't exactly "Hit the Road, Jack," but it had that sentiment, you know? Like, "Hey Porter, you've been great, but it's time for me to explore pastures new (and hopefully with a bit more creative freedom)." Flash forward a couple of decades, and somehow, someway, "I Will Always Love You" lands in the hands of the incomparable Whitney Houston. But this time, it's not about a business separation; it's a full-blown, cinematic declaration of everlasting love (think Whitney gazing into Kevin Costner's eyes, not Porter in a sequined suit).
The result? A global phenomenon. Houston's version became the biggest-selling single by a female artist at the time, and it's safe to say it still gives us all the feels. Dolly, ever the gracious songwriter, ended up making a BOATLOAD of money from the whole thing. So, the moral of the story? Sometimes the best breakup songs come from the most unexpected places. And who knows, maybe your next chart-topping ballad is hidden in a slightly passive-aggressive email to your boss.
Bonus Round: Fun Facts About "I Will Always Love You"
- Dolly actually recorded her own version of the song for the movie's soundtrack, but it got bumped in favor of Whitney's powerhouse performance. Can't blame them, though!
- There have been over 300 covers of "I Will Always Love You," meaning it's basically the national anthem of karaoke.
- The song has been parodied countless times, proving that even the most emotional ballads aren't safe from a good chuckle.
So there you have it! The next time you hear "I Will Always Love You," remember the story behind it. A tale of ambition, unexpected turns, and a whole lot of royalties. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to belt out a Dolly Parton classic while wearing a ridiculously bedazzled outfit.
