logo
Getty images
Getty images

Dolly Parton Refused to Let Elvis Presley Cover Her Iconic Song – Here's Why

Pedro Marrero
Aug 16, 2020
02:00 A.M.

The “Jolene” singer once had to say no to the one and only “King of Rock & Roll,” even if it broke her heart. But it turned out to be one of her best business decisions.

Advertisement

74-year-old country music legend Dolly Parton has led an outstanding career not only in the music business, but she has also ventured into everything from owning a theme park to writing children’s books, being a recognizable face in America for more than five decades.

Among the endless list of hits she has created, the song “I Will Always Love You” is not only one of the most iconic, but also the one with one of the most interesting stories.

Dolly Parton attends the 53nd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 13, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. I Image: Getty Images.

Dolly Parton attends the 53nd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 13, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. I Image: Getty Images.

Written by Parton, the song was first recorded and released by her in 1974, rapidly reaching the top of the charts. The song was so catchy and touching, and it was so well-received that it caught the attention of the “King of Rock & Roll” himself.

Advertisement

Elvis Presley reportedly loved the song, and he even used to sing it to his wife Priscilla, and he approached Parton with the intention of asking her permission for him to record his own version of “I Will Always Love You.”

Advertisement

As Parton recalled, she was thrilled with the idea of Elvis covering her song, since she was very fond of him, but she had to back off from it when Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded for her to give up half of the publishing rights.

“That was one of the hardest things I ever had to do because I loved Elvis,” Parton told Billboard recently.

Advertisement

REVIVED BY WHITNEY HOUSTON

While Parton is known for being business savvy in all her endeavors, this particular decision to protect her copyrights above all things proved to be especially wise, considering the impact the song was going to have more than 20 years later when an entirely new generation fell in love with it in the voice of Whitney Houston.

But first, Parton managed to make the song reach No. 1 for a second time in 1982, when she re-recorded for the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Ten years later, the song was included in the soundtrack of the blockbuster “The Bodyguard,” in a beautiful rendition by Houston, who was also the main star of the film. The cover was an instant hit, earning its place in the Billboard Hot 100.

THE SONG’S ORIGIN

Advertisement

By listening to the lyrics of the fan-favorite song, which millions of people probably know by heart, it would be easy to assume that the song was written for a former lover that the person singing it is forced to leave even if the two know they will always love each other.

This interpretation is not only logical but also very relatable, and this has played an important role in the way the song was welcomed by the mainstream public.

Advertisement

But the fact is that Parton actually wrote the tune after she had to leave behind her professional relationship with her mentor and former duet partner Porter Wagoner, to pursue a solo career and capitalize on her immense success.

As Parton revealed years after first releasing the song, Wagoner was not listening to her reasons to leave him and was hurt about her decision, so she decided to reach him by turning her feelings into a song. The rest is history.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Dolly Parton Called Her Dying Fan before Christmas - Their Conversation Revealed

December 27, 2023

How Dolly Parton's Face & Figure Would Look like at 78 If She Never Had Plastic Surgeries – Photos via AI

February 05, 2024

Dolly Parton Defends Elle King After Her Drunken Tribute Performance — Details

February 13, 2024

Dolly Parton Made a Replica of Her Childhood House, Spending Money to Make It Look Just as Poor – Photos

February 05, 2024

Dolly Parton Made a Replica of Her Childhood House, Spending Money to Make It Look Just as Poor – Photos

January 24, 2024

How Dolly Parton Would Look In Her 70s If She Never Underwent Plastic Surgery: Photos via AI

December 27, 2023

Whitney Houston Didn’t Speak to Mom for Months — Grieving Lady Shed Light on Their Relationship

December 15, 2023

Dolly Parton, Who Never Had Kids, Treated Miley Cyrus Like Her Own — Here Is How Her Grandkids Would Look via AI

December 01, 2023

Dolly Parton's Fans Slam Elle King for Ruining Country Icon's Birthday Celebration – Video

January 23, 2024

‘Looks 30 Years Younger’: Dolly Parton, 77, Steals the Show in Skimpy Blue Cheerleader Outfit to Fans’ Delight

November 23, 2023

Dolly Parton's Sister Came to Her Defense as Singer Was Criticized for Her Recent Outfit: 'Shame on You Not Her'

November 30, 2023

Kane Brown's Parents Are Not Together & He Was Abused by One of His Stepfathers

January 13, 2024

Gwen Stefani, 54, Poses in Jumpsuit with Revealing Neckline beside Spouse: Pics of Debated 'Cowgirl' Look

February 12, 2024

Dolly Parton, 78, Draws Mixed Reactions after Showing Off Legs in High-Slitted ‘Zebra’ Outfit

February 26, 2024