About the song
When we think of timeless ballads that touch the soul, “I Will Always Love You” immediately comes to mind. Though many associate the song with Whitney Houston’s powerhouse version, it was Dolly Parton who penned and originally performed this emotional masterpiece. Released in 1974, the song has a fascinating backstory rooted in personal sacrifice, deep respect, and the bittersweet nature of goodbye.
Parton wrote the song as a farewell to her mentor and business partner, Porter Wagoner, after deciding to leave his show to pursue her solo career. The lyrics aren’t about a romantic breakup, as many assume, but about honoring a professional relationship and moving on with love rather than bitterness. That nuance adds a whole new depth to the song. “And I will always love you,” she sings with a tenderness that only truth can bring.
What makes Dolly’s version so special is its simplicity. There’s no vocal acrobatics, no dramatic flourishes—just heartfelt words and pure emotion. It’s a gentle goodbye wrapped in grace and gratitude. Her delivery is soft, intimate, and incredibly human. That authenticity is part of why the song has endured for generations.
Interestingly, the song found a second life in 1992 when Whitney Houston recorded a soaring rendition for the film The Bodyguard. While Whitney’s version became a global phenomenon, topping charts around the world, Dolly has always been gracious and proud of the song’s success. In fact, she reportedly made more than $10 million in royalties from Whitney’s version—and jokes that she “bought a lot of wigs” with that money.
Still, no matter how many versions exist, there’s something unshakably powerful about returning to the original. Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” is more than just a song—it’s a lesson in love, in letting go, and in doing so with kindness. It reminds us that parting doesn’t have to mean pain—it can mean gratitude, respect, and enduring affection.
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Lyrics
If I should stay
Well I would only be in your way
And so I’ll go, and yet I know
I’ll think of you each step of the way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Bitter-sweet memories
That’s all I’m taking with me
Good-bye, please don’t cry
‘Cause we both know that I’m not
What you need
But I will always love you
I will always love you
And I hope life, will treat you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
Oh I do wish you joy
And I wish you happiness
But above all this
I wish you love
I love you
I will always love you
I, I will always, always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
