Someone once said, "When Whitney sings it, she sings to the world. When Dolly sings it, she sings to you."

Dolly wrote this. She was given her start by Porter Waggoner and she had informed him she was going to pursue a solo career. She wrote this Song for him. Whitney first sang it in the movie My Bodyguard. Dolly has said on many occasions that Whitney took her song and knocked it out of the park and was so proud of the success of Whitney's version

Whitney's version is about vocal flash. Dolly's version is about letting someone down gently with the assurance that she would always love them.

Yep! Dolly wrote it and took it to the charts TWICE before the world had even heard of Whitney.

This song was personal to Dolly , I think that's why she sang it so tenderly

Dolly wrote this and sang it live the first time! She has written 1000s of songs.

Love Whitney's version! But, Dolly...oh my my. It's so personal, almost private. It touches my heart.

This is one of the wonderful things about music, there really isn't a need to say this one is better than another one, every version/cover touches different people in different ways.

I grew up listening to this, and I can still hear the pain, the feelings, of Dolly's version, and while Whitney's version is good, I just don't want someone screaming "I will always love you" at me like Whitney does. This is definitely country.

When people told Dolly that it was Whitney's song now, Dolly said 'that's okay. Whitney can have the credit; I'll take the cash!' Whitney made Dolly a whole lot of money!

Dolly has estimated to have written over 3000 songs over the years ✌️❤️

She is an icon. You should check out more of her songs. She has written so many songs for others that you wouldn’t realize were written by her. She is also an amazing human being who has a fantastic charitable foundation

A lot of Ms Parton's songs are autobiographical. She did a song called, "Coat of Many Colors." I mentioned "Jolene" in another comment. She was in a movie called 9 to 5 and wrote the theme song for that movie "Nine to Five." She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame this year. Her induction is on KZfaq, and has a song specially written for the occasion. One of my personal favorites from her is "Love is Like a Butterfly." Her catalog is well over 100 songs; they are almost all country or crossover.

When Dolly sings this song, it's like she's singing it to you! When Whitney Houston sang this song, it was like she was singing it to the world! I like both equally!

No. Dolly Parton did not sing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". Dolly wrote the song and recorded it for the first time when Whitney was about 10 years old and it hit number one. Then she released it again about a decade or so later and it hit number one a second time. Then, about a decade later, Whitney sang it and it hit number one for a THIRD time. Then Dolly and Vince Gill did an album together and "I Will Always Love You" was on the album and the album made it to about number 14. I think if they had released it as a single it would have hit number one for a fourth time! So, while Whitney took this song to number one, Dolly had already taken it to number one TWO TIMES before Whitney ever sang it! Whitney sang the song to showcase her magnificent voice and she blasted it out to the rafters. Dolly sang it to showcase the lyrics because she wanted to tell her singing partner that the time had come for her to go her separate way because she needed to have her own career and she sang it TO him. There is no question that Whitney has a great voice but so does Dolly and Dolly put more meaning into the song. Dolly was telling Porter Wagoner that she loved him, even though she was very happily married at that time and her love for Porter was platonic, but it was time for her to go her own way. Dolly sang it softer and with more meaning because she better understood the meaning of the words and why wouldn't she? She wrote them! SO, bottom line, Dolly did NOT sing the Whitney Houston song. Whitney sang the Dolly Parton song! BTW, lest we forget, Dolly is singing this LIVE in front of a studio audience so there is no "Take Two" or tweaking back at the studio on the soundboard. All she had was her hauntingly beautiful voice! Finally, I know that if someone is telling me "I love you" I would prefer that he say it softly and say it to me, not scream it so the whole world would hear so I prefer Dolly's version. If you want to react to more Dolly Parton songs, try "Coat of Many Colors" or "Old Flames" or the song that she sang as part of the group TRIO with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, "Those Memories" or "Islands in the Stream" that she recorded with Kenny Rogers. FYI, Dolly released a song called "Dumb Blonde" and some reporter rather snarkily asked her, "Doesn't it bother you that people might call you dumb?" Dolly said, "No, because I know I'm not dumb. I know I'm not blonde either!"

Whitney was about 10 -11 yrs old when Dolly first released this song. This song went to #1 on the music charts three separate times. First in 1974, then again in 1982 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (she stars in that too), and finally Whitney's version hit #1 in 1992, not the 80's. Dolly's version is more of a sweet love song & good-bye letter to a dear friend while Whitney's is more of a power house love ballad, edited & arranged (with the infamous note) for the romance-drama movie it was featured in (The Bodyguard). I like Whitney's take on it, but will always pick Dolly's original style first & foremost. It hits deeper for me (and many others). Perhaps it's because it is sung as if Dolly is talking right to us, heart to heart. Dolly wrote this song & Jolene on the same day in 1973. And to date, she has composed +5K songs (some for her, some for other artists, & some never released). She is a mega-star with not only country hits, but chart topping pop songs as well. And since she was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (for those crossover hits), she is currently working on her first rock album. She is teaming up with other music legends such as Stevie Nicks, Pat Benetar, Debbie Harry, & Elton John just to name a few... I'm 55 yrs old & have listened to Dolly since I was a kid. My two favorites, as a child were Me & Little Andy and Coat of Many Colors. I also love 9 to 5 (she wrote it for the movie of the same title, which she stars in) and her duet with Kenny Rogers on Islands in the Stream (written by The Bee Gees).

There is another Story, Involving this Song and Elvis. Elvis heard this song in 1973 and it was during his Divorce to Priscilla and He wanted to Record it for her and Dolly (who wrote It) Wanted him to Record it but Elvis's Manager got involved and Demanded Half of the rights to the the song and blew up the deal cause Dolly just couldn't sign away Half her rights to the song. When Elvis found out what happened he was furious with his Manager and Dolly was Heartbroken. She was a huge Elvis Fan and really wanted him to Sing her song. Dolly said she Cryed herself to sleep that night. Later when Elvis and Priscilla's Divorce was Final, Priscilla Told Dolly that Elvis Sang "I will Always Love You" To Her and Dolly said that really made her Happy. If you remember in the Elvis Movie, when Elvis and Priscilla were sitting in the car together and Priscilla Got out and Elvis was Boarding the Plane and turned around and Mouthed the Words "I Will Always Love You" that's how the Movie depicted it.

I remember Dolly closing her tv show every week with this song. In my opinion, this song is Dolly's and will forever belong to Dolly!

Dolly's story about Whitney's version was that she knew it was being done, but had not been sent a demo or any pre-released copy. First time she heard it was on the radio while driving and had to pull over when it dawned on her what it was. She never thought anyone could do that with such a `simple little song.` She also joked at one time in an interview that it didn't bother her if people thought Whitney wrote it, so long as she got the royalties. 😏

Dolly doesn't sing W.H. song. She sang HER song she wrote in 1974.

This Song was written and performed for Porter Wagoner on the Porter Wagoner Show. That is why she was sitting down and spoke part of the Lyrics to him.

Dolly wrote this in one evening. She has written thousands of songs. She said she smiles all the way to the bank when she hears Whitney sing it. It is still her ownership!

I knew the Dolly version when I first heard Whitney and originally thought it was over-produced. I knew it as a simple sweet song. About "the note," people think it's much higher than it actually is. Whitney just hits it so clear and pure, it feels like she's going into the stratosphere. She had those notes, too, of course.

No, Whitney Houston sang the song Dolly Parton wrote I will always love you.

There’s a great video where she explains the reason for the song at first and why she wrote it. Makes a big difference. This version is private and tender- not a David Foster produced bombastic number! Whitney was fantastic, too. This was around 1973. She wrote it for her boss who she was leaving. Whitney came out with it in the 90’s.

DOLLY WROTE THIS SONG WHEN SHE WAS LEAVING THE PORTER WAGGONER SHOW AND GOING OUT ON HER OWN. ELVIS WANTED TO COVER THIS SONG, HE ALSO WANTED TO BUY THE RIGHTS TO THE SONG FROM HER AND SHE SAID NO...HE NEVER COVERED IT, WHITNEY CAME ALONG MANY YEARS LATER AND SENT IT INTO ANOTHER UNIVERSE, WITH DOLLY COLLECTING THE MONEY ON THE SONG RIGHTS....SMART WOMAN!!!!

Dolly gave it heart Whitney gave it soul both are awesome

She not only sang that song but she wrote it also she has written over 5000 songs so you never know until you do your homework who has sung her songs that she has written

This was just a personal little song that Dolly wrote to speak to Porter Waggoner, the Country star who have her a job on his show. She was expressing her gratitude and wishing Porter the best. Dolly sang this song again in the movie and Best Little White House in Texas. The version in this movie was a bigger version than her iriginal. When making the movie The Bodyguard, a song was needed for the ending . This song was chosen and Dolly gladly gave the OK to use it. Whitney has a big voice and knocked the song out of the park. Dolly first heard it on the radio in her car. She had to slipknot to the side of the road to listen and she broke out in tears. She was so happy for the success Whitney had with her song. Dolly has written hundreds of songs for many artists as well as the ones she has recorded herself.

Part of the difference you notice is the different slants which gives the song different sounds...Dolly wrote the song to a lifelong mentor/friend so it speaks to that relationship, while Whitney sings it as a lost love song so it speaks to a different relationship evoking passion.

Dollys wrote it as an intimate song. Whitney turned it into a power song. Both beautiful in their own unique way. Both sung by legends

Dolly Parton won a songwriter award from Soul Train for Best R & B song of the year for Whitney's version. It's on KZfaq where Whitney presented the award to Dolly and thanked her for writing such a beautiful song.

Dolly’s massive hits: Always love you and Jolene are a must together because, she wrote them both on the same day!

Dolly Parton is not only a queen in country music but she is a queen in the hearts of all mankind

The "signature" in Dolly's version is that it's more intimate and the runs within the words. I don't think of one as better than the other.

Dolly loves to brag that Whitney made her rich. That note you were waiting for was not in Dolly's sweet, sincere version. Whitneys was for her movie Bodyguard & show it had to be the big Diva performance. That was not how Dolly wanted this to sound. It was a tender love letter to her boss/friend. Totally different song for me. Apples & oranges. And an award goes to how well someone does a performance of a song, whether it is their original or not. Heck, Tennessee Whiskey was released in 1981 & it never got big until Chris Stapleton released it.

Not only did Dolly write this , no less than Elvis wanted to buy it from her but Colonel Parker demanded she give Big E a part writing credit on it! Dolly told them to pound sand and the rest is history!

I don't think a single shout out to Dolly and saying it sucks because Dolly sounds good, is like a backhanded compliment to an American treasure that is Dolly!❤

There are people who are gifted in acting, some are gifted with beautiful voices, and some are able to write fantastic songs. Dolly Parton is one of those rare creatures on this earth who is able to do all three. Add to that the fact that she can play a lot of musical instruments (guitar, dulcimer, autoharp, etc.) and you have one extremely gifted and talented woman. She has handled her fame extremely well She has been interviewed a number of times and comes off genuine and quite humble. She married once and is still married to the same man since 1966. She is 77 and still going. In this world, especially among the rich and famous, she is one of a kind.

I love Dolly's original version of I will always love you!❤

Dolly's version is what I grew up on. While Whitney's has all the flashiness.. For me, it will NEVER be a good as Dolly's because she brought a genuine emotion to the song that Whitney never could capture. Not everything needs to be big with a ton of production. Good song writing can stand on it's own. That doesn't mean Whitney's version was bad, it just doesn't do it for me. Dolly made her coins either way... And she donated a lot of the money she made from Whitney's version to organizations that benefitted black communities. So everyone won. Which is why Dolly is a Boss.

It’s Dollys song. She’s wrote it

Dude you too hung up on the Whitney version (iconic btw) but you gotta understand Dolly's version. Raw and authentic. Kinda sweet. Once you listen to more Dolly you'll get it. Great reaction tho! I'm enjoying your reactions. Check out her song Coat of Many Colors. 🤘 Rock on.

Went Dolly took it to number one she took money to the bank. When Whitney sang it Dolly bought the bank.

Dolly wasn't making any attempt to bring power. She was singing a sweet, sad song to someone she was leaving behind. Backstory: Porter Wagoner was a country star with his own TV show. He gave Dolly her 1st big break by hiring her to be "the girl singer" on his show. She told him she would stay 5 yrs. The audience loved her immediately & ratings grew. Porter's solo records didn't sell anymore but duets with Dolly sold well. She stayed with him for 7 yrs. He put up a big fight & made threats. She wrote this song to convince him to let her go in peace. He agreed but then sued her because without her, he lost money. Still Dolly said she loved him & was grateful to him. Years later, his finances got bad enough that he put his song catalog up for sale. Dolly bought it & gifted it back to him. This is just 1 story about this amazing woman.

Dolly could and still can (even at like 75 years old) hit a high note like that, she also wrote a lot of songs for other people, I can't think of one off the top of my head at the moment, but as an example of others writing for others, I'll use Barry Gibb of the BeeGee's fame writing "Islands in the Stream" for Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.....

Lol. You can't hear Whitney first, and expect Dolly to sound like her. It's Dolly's song and hers is so soft and sweet. I love Whitney's version also, she made it hers. But to compare one singer to another is silly.

So it’s not that it’s a Winey Houston song but that she REDID a Dolly song! Wow

Dolly Parton wrote the iconic song "I Will Always Love You" (which was later made popular again by Whitney Houston) in 1974. Although the lyrics sound like they're about the end of a romantic relationship, they're actually about the end of a professional one. Dolly wrote the song when she decided to leave Porter Wagoner's show.

Dolly wrote and released it in 1973 the same night she wrote Jolene I think that’s the correct year.

Dolly is 77 was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She has sung many different genres over her career. You might check out that performance just to see a different side of her.

Dolly was on a show called the porter wagner show. When she wanted to go out on her own and he didn't want her to. She wrote this song for him to understand. There is a video out there with her explaining it and then singing it.Dolly owns her own music and it was very special when Dolly let Whitney sing it.

Thank you so very much young man for playing one, just one of Dolly Parton's 3,000 songs that she has written and sung. As you know she wrote not only "I will always Love You" back in 1974 but also another song of hers called "Jolene" on the same day. Of course with many Grammys and Oscars under her belt what do you expect? And you just heard what she sounds like sitting down or standing up. It really doesn't matter. When you got it, you got it. It's as simple as that. Just ask yourself one question, why is she not only a Hall of Famer but she can play five or six musical instruments very, very well. And with a net worth of over 650 million dollars, can you say that she earned it by being lazy and sitting on her tush? I doubt it. Seriously. But anyway I was wondering if you would do me a big favor and yourself and your listeners a favor by playing another one of Dolly Parton's song that I really loved? It's called, "Me and Little Andy". I would appreciate it also your opinion of this song it means so much to me. Thank you young man.Have a Blessed Day. Adios. PS: Keep up the good work. And forgive me for not remembering this but Dolly has also received "Life Achievement Awards too and has been in a few other movies like "9 to give" which was a comedy and also Super, Super Cool. Guess that's where she got one of her Oscars, wouldn't you say? Later.

Love both versions. In completely different ways.

An interview with Dolly when she first heard it in her car almost drove off the road when Whitney hit the chorus. Dolly loved Whitney's version.

Every country fan has known this for years. We thought everyone knew how talented dolly is. She has written a number of hit songs that would be very familiar to most people.

A few things. Dolly can hit "That Note' she just didn't in this version of this song. Elvis wanted to record this, but his producer wanted half of the song rights...she refused Elvis. Whitney and Dolly made two different versions of the same song.

Kevin Cosner knew of this song and suggested they get it for the ending of the Bodyguard.David Foster then arranged it for Whitney

Dolly was blown away by Whitney's version of her "little" song, and that Whitney's version was "meant to be." She was very moved. One thing authentic about Dolly is that she has always been a nice, sweet person, and she sang her song in that "sweet" way in dedication to a very good friend. But Whitney took it to the next level. Same as Disturbed took Sounds of Silence to the next level (as done on Conan live), and the singer/author of the song decades before, was equally as blown away what they had done with his song - AND Disturbed was nominated for a Grammy for that live rendition. As a comparison, listen to the original Simon and Garfunkle version of Sounds of Silence, and then listen to Disturbed singing it live on Conan (important to listen to this version - not their album version.)

She wrote so many hits for other artists!! You will be amazed!!!

There's a difference between a record and a song. Awards for Record of the Year go to the performer and the producer. Song of the Year goes to the songwriter.

She wrote this and Jolene in one day… that’s a true talent

It's a different song. The original was written loving friend to loving friend...........but that was live, no autotune.

I remember David Letterman tried starting some shade saying to Dolly "this is YOUR song, you wrote it and are the definitive performer of the song" and Dolly just said "Well thank you, but I am not gonna sit here and bitch about Whitney making me $6 million."

Dolly Parton wrote this song in 1973 specifically for Porter Wagoner. Because she was leaving his show for good and she sang this song live on are the same day she wrote it.

This was done in 1974, it was her farewell performance on the Porter Wagner Show. She was going out on her own . It caused legal problems for her with Porter Wagner that was relieved many years later. Dolly also wrote this song for Porter to say good bye.

Knowing the story behind the song keeps my heart in Dolly's version.

Dolly's version is my favorite because it is warm and heartfelt. She wrote it and it is her story and it is her feelings. It was intended to be a tender loving song. Whitney took a beautiful tender song and made it a big loud song. I never felt that it was the right way to go with it. Whitney's was pretty good too, but it didn't have the same feeling behind it that Dolly's did.

Dolly wrote the song .She can sing it anyway she wants .Dolly is a singer song writer she made a lot of money from this song .When Whitney sang it .

Nobody does it better than Dolly. She actually wrote this to Porter Waggoner when she decided to leave his show after he gave her her big break. This song was personal

Dolly is a prolific song writer- at least 800 songs. Many artist have covered her songs, one being Tina Turner.the royalties she makes from her recordings and by others that have sung her songs must be massive. Elvis wanted to sing I Will Always Love You, but his publishing company wanted to high of a percentage of the song. It made her sad to say no, but her songs were going to remain hers. She is a very smart business woman. She deserves it all.

In an interview, Dolly was asked what she thought about Whitney Houston singing her song, To which she replied " I cried ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK!" She Loved Whitney's version.

Whitney made that song her own. I cannot say one version is better than the other. A great cover is that way. Whitney version is her song.

Dolly once admitted that Whitney did it than Dolly. Then the interviewer asked how Dolly felt about that. The answer, "I smile every time I go to the bank to cash the check!"

also remember that Dollys rendition of her song was recorded live, nearly 20 years before Whitney's cover. sound technology and microphones changed a great deal in those 20 years, and they went from a simple mixing board to blend mics to Studio mixing boards that could change the pitch, the tones, and such. singing in front of an audience is much different than a studio recording. what I wouldn't give for a time machine to put her, at this point in her life, into a modern studio.

I Will Always Love You was also written on the same day that she wrote Jolene.

As has been said, both were singing different songs. Dolly didn't write it as a love ballad, but as a sincere goodbye to a business partner. I knew this version before Whitney and love both. I am partial to this version, but, yeah... I definitely encourage you to check out more Dolly. Jolene is a great start. Dolly has character, voice, lyrical greatness, and looks. Oh, and she is both an impressive business woman and absolute sweetheart. Porter Wagner (who this song was written to) eventually sold all of his rights as he spiraled down, but Dolly bought the rights up to his entire catalog and gave them back to him offering encouragement in his later life. She was approached by Elvis to record this song, but they could never agree on financials. She ended up letting Whitney sing it but demanded the royalties she felt she deserved. Dolly loved what Whitney did, and loved the royalties that followed. She has written an unbelievable number of songs through the years, and made a huge mark in music history of more then just Country. I do love, though.. this is one of those reactions that often happens. Not always this song, but it is a notable example where the person reacting almost hits that life crisis of "have I been lied to my whole life!?!" Don't worry. I think most of us have been there when we find some original out there.

she wrote this song in 1973 about the breakup with her biz partner whose show she sang it on . she wrote Jolene the same night she wrote this

"You sing it like you mean it" "Well, I do sort of mean it"

Dolly wrote this in 1967 I believe. Her live performance of this in 1990 was excellent.❤️

Song of the Year Grammy goes to the songwriter not the performer. So Dolly Parton won 2 Grammies for writing the same song.20 years apart. The song was her way of telling her partner at the time, Porter Wagner, that she felt it was time to move on with her career, she sang like she was talking to a friend. Ms Parton had written 5K+ songs in her career and she is a VERY astute business-woman, singer, song-writer, actress, theme-park owner.

Whitney sings this song to all who can hear her. Dolly sang this song as a farewell to her business manager after telling him that it was time for her to move forward in her career. With Dolly, it was a farewell.

Bothe women are amazing artists. Dolly's version was personal to a specific person, story telling. dolly is very much a story teller with her music. American country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has composed over 5,000 songs throughout her career. The total number of individual song titles she has recorded and released is 956, totaling over 1,100 individual recordings when studio recordings, remixes, and live tracks are combined.She has been in the business for over 7 decades and is stil performing. In 1992, R&B singer Whitney Houston recorded a new arrangement of "I Will Always Love You" for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, her film debut. that is why it was recorded in such a big way, impact.

Dolly is a country singer with a touch of yodeling,Whitney was a pop singer so she put it in her style. A lot of country singer’s sit down when singing it’s more intimate. Whitney also met Elvis when he came back to the female backup singer’s dressing room to talk to her mom who was one of his singers. If you want proof watch the documentary Elvis and the black community were she talks about it.

This was written as a goodbye to Porter Waggoner when Dilly left that show. As an aside, she wrote the song Jolene the same day!

Whitney took it to a whole other level and made it her own as only she could do with her incredible voice. Dolly was very happy for Whitney's success with the song she had written.

Dolly has over 6,000 songs in her collection of songs She has written, plus one song that is supposed to be released after She passes. It’s under lock and key with her attorneys. She had mentioned it once on a talk show She was on!

She is a brilliant business woman and has written over 6000 songs.

She sings effortlessly!! Beautiful!

Dolly always says so was so glad Whitney covered it after she gave her permission to do the song because she made soooooo much $$$$$$$ on her ownership!!!!!! It was like a slot machine that just kept paying off!!!! Spoken like a true song writer!!!!!! So says Austin Tx!!!!😎🍸 PS Dolly always looks great!!!!! ❤

When Dolly heard Whitney's version I believe the cash register sound when off in her head.

Dolly was singing goodbye to Porter Wagner and she was scared to death because he didn't wish for her to leave his show. Factor all that in her singing. Every singer puts their stamp on the song. That was easily Whitney's most famous song. Add this to it; the song is that good!!!

This is 1970's TV audio before autotune. Whitney definitely used autotune with this song. In her earlier works, before autotune Whitney's voice cracks on high notes and is chopped at that point. You can clearly hear the glitch where her voice cracks.

Dolly wrote it and cried when she heard Whitney's version

Dolly Parton wrote this song in 1967 for her friend Porter Wagner when she made the decision to leave his show and he wasnt happy aboiy her leaving

Hello from Cody Wyoming! You are awesome keep it up😊

During the making of the bodyguard they reached out to Dolly about recording the song possibly but she said they never got back with her about it and then she heard Whitney singing it after the movie came out

I always tear up when Dolly sings this. It pained her to leave that show.

So is Dolly!! Lol I can't choose any of my top 5 vocalist over the other...

If you start diving into Country, your outlook on music will never be the same.