Country legend Dolly Parton appeared for a video-conference interview with Graham Norton recently and spoke about a number of subjects, including her first reaction of listening to Whitney Houston’s iconic cover of her country song, ‘I Will Always Love You.’
Released and recorded in the early 70’s by Parton, the song was a decent Country hit for the singer, but didn’t gain the same momentum or popularity in the Pop charts – until Houston put it on the map with her 1992 cover of the same.
Remembering, how she had almost forgotten about having said ‘yes’ to the Queen of Pop covering her song, Parton reminisced the day when she first heard it while driving in Tennessee, being so much taken aback upon realizing it was her song, that she had to pull to the side.
“It was one of the most overwhelming feelings I’ve ever had,” Dolly remembered while speaking to Graham. “..to hear that done so well, so beautiful, so big. Had no idea I had written a song that could be that important. And I didn’t. I think she just took it and made it so much more than what it would have ever been.”
Further adding – “It was just a thrill and a joy as a songwriter. I don’t think I’ll ever have a greater thrill. Ever.”
Whitney’s version of I Will Always Love You became a signature classic for the Grammy winning diva, earning her several awards and accolades the following year.
It still ranks as the biggest selling single ever, by a female and remains one of her most streamed tracks on streaming services.
A classic for both divas.