Dolly Parton Reveals Reason Elvis Presley Did Not Record Her Hit Song 'I Will Always Love You'

Dolly Parton is one of the most influential figures in the music industry. While many musicians love to sing her songs, Parton revealed that the late singer Elvis Presley never recorded one of the hit songs she wrote. Read on to know why.

Dolly Parton is renowned for her extensive career in Hollywood. Besides being an exceptional actress and a philanthropist, she is most notable for singing iconic country songs.

Many artists have covered Parton's songs, such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5." However, in a recent interview with W Magazine, she revealed that the late King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley never recorded her hit song, "I Will Always Love You."

Parton, who famously wrote, "I Will Always Love You," said Presley was interested in recording her song, but the late icon's then-manager wanted half of her publishing rights in exchange for the record. She recalled:

"I said, 'I'm sorry, but I can't give you the publishing.' I wanted to hear Elvis sing it, and it broke my heart—I cried all night."

While an attempt to have Presley record her song failed, Priscilla, the late singer's wife, told Parton that he sang the song when they went through a divorce. "That touched me so deeply," Parton said of Elvis singing her track.

From Presley, Parton gave her song to the late pop singer Whitney Houston. Through Houston, it became one of the most unforgettable tracks and one of the most played songs of today.

Besides gaining fame through "I Will Always Love You," Parton has another track that gained critical acclaim. She is also the musical genius behind the classic song "Jolene."

Parton released "Jolene" in 1974. Today, several young musicians, most notably pop star Miley Cyrus, created their beautiful renditions of the veteran singer's classic hit.

After Cyrus, Parton was delighted when rapper Lil Nas X sang the song at the BBC 1 Live Lounge. She wrote on Instagram that she was surprised and honored he sang her song.

Parton's sweet message for Lil Nas X warmed many fans' hearts. Last month, the "Steel Magnolias" actress also sent fans into a frenzy after they discovered her purported TikTok account.

However, Parton's representative clarified that the country superstar does not have a TikTok account. TikTok reportedly took down the account after discovering it was someone else's prank.