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Introduction
When Dolly Parton penned “I Will Always Love You” in 1973, she wasn’t just writing another country song—she was crafting a heartfelt goodbye letter. The story behind this iconic ballad is as moving as the melody itself.
Dolly wrote this emotional farewell when she decided to leave “The Porter Wagoner Show” after seven years as Porter’s singing partner. Rather than having a difficult conversation, she channeled her feelings into what would become one of the most beloved songs in music history. As Dolly herself has often recounted, when she played the song for Porter, he was moved to tears and said, “That’s the prettiest song I ever heard. And you can go, providing I get to produce that record.”
What makes this song extraordinary isn’t just its beautiful melody or Dolly’s tender delivery—it’s the universal emotion it captures. We’ve all had to say goodbye to someone we care about deeply, whether a lover, a friend, or a chapter in our lives. Dolly managed to distill that bittersweet mixture of love and letting go into three minutes of pure emotional truth.
The song became a #1 country hit for Dolly twice—first in 1974 and again in 1982 when she re-recorded it for “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” soundtrack. But its journey was far from over. When Whitney Houston recorded her powerful rendition for “The Bodyguard” in 1992, the song soared to new heights, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
What’s remarkable about “I Will Always Love You” is how it transcends genres and generations. From Dolly’s country original to Whitney’s soul-stirring pop version, the song’s core message remains intact: sometimes the greatest expression of love is letting go.
Dolly has often shared that of all the songs she’s written in her prolific career, this one holds a special place in her heart. It’s not just a song about saying goodbye—it’s about doing so with grace, gratitude, and enduring love. In a world where breakup songs often lean toward bitterness or regret, Dolly gave us something different: a tender acknowledgment that sometimes paths must diverge, even when love remains.
Perhaps that’s why, nearly five decades after its creation, “I Will Always Love You” continues to move listeners to tears. It reminds us that true love isn’t always about holding on—sometimes it’s about having the courage to say goodbye while your heart is still full.
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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