Listen to Dolly's original version when your heart is breaking, listen to Whitney's version when you're ready to move on. I don't know why, but you can feel the difference.

She wrote this and 'Jolene' on the same day...

She wrote one of the most beautiful songs in the world.

The fact that she wrote this AND Jolene in less than 48 hours is insane.

It’s okay to like Dolly’s original and Whitney’s cover, folks. Really, it is.

I'm sorry to say I never knew that Dolly sang this originally. This is absolutely beautiful

This is the version that makes me cry. I can envision Dolly telling this to Porter when they parted ways. She sings it with a southern belle cry in her voice…like a lullaby.

Wow I never knew dollys was the original. That's amazing she sings it so beautifully

Love this song. To me, Whitney's version is like eating out at a fancy restaurant and having a great meal. This version is grandmas home cooked meal with the family on a Sunday after being away for a very long time, love it.

While the Whitney version is much more acrobatic and intense, this version is much more emotional and heartfelt in it's delivery. It comes off feeling more beautiful and touching.

I’m a black girl from Tennessee I love the southern meek and soft classic original AND I love the powerful strength of Whitney’s. And Dolly enjoyed both also.

50 years later and this is still such a beautiful work of art!

"I don't care who gets the credit as long as I get the check" -Dolly Parton.

I'm a writer, and I listen to this when I destroy my characters' love lives.

Both versions gave me goosebumps. Just basically a great song 🥺❤

In Dolly's words about this song: "The song came straight from the bottom of my heart. All of those feelings, all of those thoughts, all of those things we had been through, all the things we had been to each other, all of the things we had done to each other, all of that was in one song. I was so emotional I was crying when I was writing it. I went into his office and said, "Porter (Wagoner), sit down. I want to sing you a song I wrote." When I started to sing the song, he started to cry. He knew that I had been crying when I wrote it. He got it. He said, "That's the best song you ever wrote. And you can go, if I can produce that song." I said, "It's a deal!" Now the song is going to live forever. I thank Porter for that song. I think of him every time I sing it. If it hadn't been for him, I'd never have written that song."

I grew up with Whitney’s version without knowing Dolly’s. Both versions have a place. Thank you both for giving us these songs

she's always has an angelic voice.

Yes I just watched Priscilla. I think the last scene was so touching and deep despite it being a small and short scene. There's no way to be a woman and not feel empathy for her, you wonder how much she endured and how brave she had to be to take her leave, see her driving that car... just freedom.

A grown man of 72 and I can't listen to this without crying my eyes out! By far the best version x

With Whitney's version I think, "wow, listen to those vocals!" With Dolly's version, I want to weep. When I was younger, I first heard, and only listened to Whitney's version. As an adult, I see Dolly's as the ultimate version because the story is front and centre, yet I would have never given it a chance without having heard Whitney's first. So there is a place for appreciating both these talented women.

Dolly Parton is an international treasure. She has such a pure storytelling voice.

Today was the day I learned that this is Dolly Parton song

When I was younger I loved Whitney's version, now that I'm older I'm loving Dolly's more. Each version is beautiful in it's own unique way ❤

Both versions are incredible and feel completely different. If I wanna belt this out from the top of a mountain, it's Whitney. If I wanna keep this to myself in a candlelit room, it's Dolly.

Is Dolly's legendary? Yes. Is Whitney's legendary? Yes. Do I like both? Yes. Do I prefer Dolly's? Yes. Does that mean you're not allowed to prefer Whitney's? No.

Oh my god i cant believe at 36 years old im just finding put that this is the original version. Dolly's version brought me to tears, something Whitney's version has never done. This was absolutely beautiful.

I just lost my dad and he requested this song be played at his funeral service. He always loved this song. Now it feels like he is saying these words to me. Thank you to Dolly. I will always love you, dad. ❤️ ❤xx

This was played at my grandfathers furneral yesterday as they closed his casket. I can't stop listening to it. I'm so heartbroken life will never be the same. I love you grandpa ♥️🕊️ rest easy

When I was 10 years old I lost my grandmother who was like a mother AND a father to me. She was my whole world. After her death I would lay on a mattress at night staring up at a single bulb in a tiny trailer with my cassette tape and headphones. Alone, heart broken and grieving I would listen to this song, rewind, and listen again. It was a deep sorrowful pain I wish upon no one. She gave me this tape before she died. She was the love of my life and this song was her good bye. To this day I can’t listen to it without feeling her and tearing up. 27 years later I still miss her deeply. She was an amazing lady.

Priscilla ❤.

Whitney sang it - excellently, Dolly lived it - greatness. With Dolly it was a true story.

I’m 30 years old and just found out this is the original. Mind blown 🤯 *Edit*Mind blown on the amount of likes 🤯 Thanks y’all 🥰

If I should stay I would only be in your way So I'll go, but I know I'll think of you each step of the way And I will always love you I will always love you Bittersweet memories That's all I'm taking with me Goodbye, please don't cry We both know that I'm not what you need But I will always love you I will always love you I hope life treats you kind And I hope that you have all That you ever dreamed of And I wish you joy and happiness But above all this, I wish you love And I will always love you I will always love you I will always love you

Returning to this classic after watching Priscilla! Always a favorite!!!!

Here i am 14 years old, listening to Dolly’s version the first time and I’ve never actually cried listening to a song the first time but i am right now, i’ve always loved dolly thanks to my lovely nan who passed a few years ago the day before my birthday, this has moved me

Whitney's version is about moving on in love Dolly's is about moving on in life

I really love this original version of the song. 😭❤

I'm here after Priscilla. This was the best part of a difficult movie that needed to end.

How the hell I only knew this now? Thanks Priscilla film for making me discover this gem.

When I was a kid I used to love Whitney's cover but now as I've gotten older, I find myself more drawn to the original. There's something so simple and heartfelt about this version that is moving.

Oh, Dolly's voice, unreal, flutters like a butterfly with such delicacy and tenderness. It fills my heart.

This is the BEST version of this song, for the same reason the original version of a song usually is, because it's the most genuine and heartfelt, two things that remakes, no matter how great they are, never quite have.

They played this at the end of Priscilla and I got teary eyed 🫠

I think that comparing this to Whitney’s is like comparing apples to oranges. They are extremely different! However people might like apples better than oranges and that’s just their taste. Let’s stop arguing about who did it better and just enjoy what we like!

I definitely appreciate both versions of this song

Priscilla brougth me here to listen this amazing and emotional version. The singer's heart seems to be in her mouth. ❤

If I should stay I would only be in your way So I'll go, but I know I'll think of you every step of the way [Chorus] And I Will always love you, ooh, I Will always love you, you [Post-Chorus] You, my darling, you, mm [Verse 1] Bittersweet memories That is all I'm taking with me So goodbye, please don't cry We both know I'm not what you, you need [Chorus] And I, I Will always love you, ooh, I Will always love you, you [Verse 2] I hope life treats you kind And I hope you have all you've dreamed of And I'm wishing you joy and happiness But above all this, I wish you love [Chorus] And I, I Will always love you, ooh I will always love you I will always love you, ooh I will always love you, ooh I will always love you, ooh I, I will always love you

I saw this in an ad with dogs and now I don't know why I am crying lol.

She can make a grown man cry

This women was n is n will always b a 10. Smart af, kind, beautiful, n an American legend. Live on, live long Dolly.

Just watched the movie Priscilla and what a beautiful way to end the movie with this beautiful song❤❤❤

I’m 32 and I NEVER knew this was a cover! Wow! Still amazing. It’s insane how different the song is with the same words and melody. This makes me love MUSIC even more! ❤️

I am a metalhead and guitarist but this is one of my favorite songs of all time. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU DOLLY.💗

Her voice so soft. I always hear this when i sleep. I really love this original song. Sooo beautiful. I cry when hear this. So touching

0:13 [Verse 1] If I should stay I would only be in your way So I'll go, but I know I'll think of you each step of the way [Chorus] And I will always love you I will always love you [Verse 2] Bittersweet memories That's all I am taking with me Goodbye, please don't cry We both know that I'm not what you need [Chorus] But I will always love you I will always love you [Bridge] I hope life treats you kind And I hope that you have all That you ever dreamed of And I wish you joy and happiness But above all of this, I wish you love [Chorus] And I will always love you I will always love you I will always love you

both versions are very good, I prefer Dolly's. I feel the raw emotion of the song comes out more in her version. My favorite thing about this song though is the story Dolly tells about how when she first heard Whitney's version she didn't realize what the song was at first, just that it sounded familiar, and when it got to the chorus it surprised her so much she nearly had a car accident xD

Here we go again, debating which version of a song is better. Both Dolly and Whitney gave us impassioned and beautiful recordings. Can't we just let it go at that?

Found out about this a few minutes ago. I grew up knowing it was Whitney's original song.. Came across a vid on facebook showing both original singers and singers I actually grew up knowing it's theirs originally. I don't know why but I went here to see who was the lovely lady singing it in such a different and sweet tone and just wow. I love it.

Dolly is such an amazing songwriter and singer that every song she sings makes you feel and think deeply. She just has that voice that goes straight to your heart. Her voice is so naturally nostalgic that it hits me right in my being and it takes me back to places I’ve never been and times Ive never experienced. She is truly a performer that will be remembered as long as this civilization exists.

Dolly's voice makes me feel so safe. My late great-grandma had a accent similar to hers, and anytime I hear her voice I think of her and smile. Dolly is the only country artist I listen to, to be honest. 💖

.... this is the last song me and my mom sung before she passed away I can't believe I actually have the guts to come and listen to this again

I remember waking up to this song in early morning with my mother playing it she sadly passed away 6 years ago to cancer will always be in my heart ❤

WHEN SHE SINGS....SHE SINGS IT WITH A HEART...❤

Dolly’s version of this song is full or raw emotion. Love it

This original version breaks my heart, you can tell that is a broken heart singing right there! while Whitney version is an impressive powerful voice....gives another message! lovee both version but for me Dolly version is the one!

Dolly's rendition has its message a different department of the heart, while Whitney says something else to another. Both are just unique.

God bless Dolly, there will never be a more talented and magical Female country and western singer... God bless her xxd

So, I was totally shocked when my partner told me that Whitney's is actually a cover! And now I simply adore the both of them - those super strong & talented women! BRAVA!❣️

Dolly’s version is so soft and pretty. It’s very angelic.

Dolly is the queen of country her voice is beautiful ❤

For those who hate on Dolly Parton cause of Whitney Houston’s cover: Dolly Parton has a higher range, while Whitney Houston hit top 10 with her cover once, Dolly Parton hit number 1 with this song six times.

Now, while Whitney’s vocals were unmatched, Dolly’s version will always be my favorite. Her tone makes the lyrics more believable.

My wife left me after 14 years together. This song has helped me grieve over her loss.

The original recording and best version...Dolly sings it so beautifully

When you've only heard the Bodyguard version its genuinely startling to discover how beautiful this is.

Dolly should be a national treasure to your country. She is so totally selfless, compassionate, child-like, kind and cute. That's not even taking into account how quick-wittedly funny she is, how stunningly beautiful she was in her younger years and how naturally talented she is as a singer and songwriter. A true artist and musician to be remembered for centuries.

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

My dad used to play this and dance with me, when i was little. ❤

This song forever will be the anthem of anyone who has lost the person they love, But didn’t loose the love for the person.

I grew up with Dolly’s version. It was out there for 38 years before Whitney did her version. I appreciate Whitney’s version, but for me it will always be a cover. I have DECADES of history listening to Dolly’s version. Whitney’s is still in its first decade. And, at the same time, I have to say that they are both timeless.

No matter what version is your favorite, I think we can all agree that the song itself is one of the most beautiful things ever written.

Dolly's song that she wrote for Porter Wagner is why this version is the one that brings me to tears The words came from her heart and you can hear and feel it in her voice. It has much more meaning to it.

"priscilla" brought me here as i got emotional when that song played as i know the significance of that song as it relates to elvis. i will always prefer this version than whitney's though whitney's version is great.

Both Dolly and Whitney their versions are wonderful. Dolly’s version sounds like shes singing to someone personally. Like shes sitting on her porch together with that special someone with a guitar on a warm summer night softly singing it.

this version truly emphasizing the feeling of the song

Till today, just knowing the original singer for this song, it's totally different feeling. Thanks for sharing! Very touching as well as Whitney's.

I grew up watching Dolly's films and Listening to Whitney''s music in the 70's and 80's. Both are true Music and TV Icons. Love them both.

Whitney’s was radio and perfect. Dolly’s is a drive out of the city after a break up. I don’t want attention or anyone, just want to be alone. End up in some small bar with an unknown but talented singer who sings the perfect song to go with my whiskey and heartache.

I've alway looked at this version as a completely different song to Whitneys version. Dolly had such a sense of closure in her voice and delivery. Whitney had the stand out vocals that would make this song a radio hit. Dolly saw the end of a failed relationship and realized that NO MATTER what happened, she would always love Porter. Loving someone and being with them are two different things. Dolly's delivery of this song made me realize that you can love someone from a far and still be happy loving someone else. It's hard to know where you're going if you don't know where you've been.

Her voice always tears me up with this song.

Dolly's is the best version, let's admit it. After all she is the original writer and singer of this classic. Dolly owns this one.

It is funny how people undermine Whitney's ability to emote just because she has a technical, powerful and operatic voice. When in fact, the first thing I remember about listening to Whitney's version for the first time - is crying my eyes out because of how soulfully she sang it. The finale climax and THAT note, which people mostly look at as a piece of vocal masterclass - which it certainly is, is also the point where it sounds as if she's crying her heart out while saying her final goodbye to someone. An unabashed outburst of emotions. Dolly Parton's version moves you just as much. It's really a matter of where you are in your life, and which emotion are you relating to more at that point. Dolly's version is special because it was a personal message from her for someone she was actually saying goodbye to, hence her emotion reflects. Whitney's version is special because you get to experience one of the finest vocalists of the last 100 years at the top of her game and because of that iconic sax solo (which sounds like looking back at making love with someone you loved, in retrospect). Kudos to Dolly for writing it, but Kudos to Whitney for putting it on world map and turning it into a #1 in nearly every country in the world.

Nobody does this song like Dolly. This is hers, and no one does it better. She puts her heart into her songs. She's a Country Music legend.

First time hearing Dolly version. I love it. Thank you Dolly P for letting Whitney Houston give your song even more life. Beautiful.❤️

Got to be the most beautiful sad emotional meaningful song ever sung by the most beautiful woman in the world. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

This version deserves more attention, it’s so beautiful, I mean Whitney’s version too but this gives you a vibes completely different

Her voice is SO calming

After 30 years of hearing Whitney's version, I finally hear te original, and... It's gorgeous! It is hard not to compare and not to hear Whitney's at the same time, but this one is absolutely magical!!! ❤

I hate how everybody is comparing whitney's version with this, JUST ENJOY BOTH AND SHUT UP.