Whitney Houston's version of Dolly Parton classic made star 'nearly crash into Walgreens'

Kathleen O'BoyleTue, August 25, 2026 at 8:50 PM UTC

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Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston made a hit out of I Will Always Love You -Credit:GRAMMY.com/videos

Following Dolly Parton’s death at 80, fans are looking back at some of the country icon’s most memorable stories, including the first time she heard Whitney Houston’s take on her classic song I Will Always Love You.

Years before her death, Parton appeared on Reese Witherspoon’s interview series, Shine On with Reese, which highlights the stories of extraordinary women. During the 2018 episode, the Jolene singer opened up about Houston’s impact on the music industry and what it meant to hear the superstar transform a song Parton had originally written and recorded decades earlier.

Parton said hearing Houston’s version made her feel like she had finally “arrived” as a songwriter. This is resurfacing as Dolly Parton's net worth at the time of her death has been revealed.

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“She took [the song] to so many levels. To think that my little song—my little heartfelt, heartbreaking song—could be that big, I felt that I had arrived as a writer,” she said.

Parton originally released I Will Always Love You in 1969. The song went on to be recorded by several notable artists, but Houston’s 1992 version became the most famous rendition after it was featured in The Bodyguard, the film starring Houston and Kevin Costner.

Parton had no hesitation when Costner approached her about using the song for the movie. She gave permission, sent the song off and then largely forgot about it until she heard Houston’s version unexpectedly while driving.

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“I sent it out, totally forgot about it, and then I was driving home and all of a sudden I hear this sound on the radio,” she continued. “I had to pull over lest I should wreck. It was the most overwhelming feeling I’ve ever had.”

Houston’s recording went on to become one of the biggest songs of her career, while also introducing Parton’s songwriting to an entirely new generation of listeners.

Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80. Her family did not release a cause of death, but said she “died peacefully today in Nashville.”

The announcement was made on Parton’s official Instagram, accompanied by a video from her nephew Bryan Seaver on behalf of the Parton family.

Parton passed on August 25 at 80 -Credit:Dolly Parton

Her family’s official obituary remembered her career and influence, stating, “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

Parton’s health had been a growing concern in the months leading up to her death. In mid-August, she revealed that she would not be able to make an appearance at Dollywood after experiencing dehydration and dizziness.

“My Nashville doctor has kinda clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week,’” she wrote at the time.

Her health struggles had also made headlines in fall 2025, when she announced that she would no longer be able to go ahead with a six-show December residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The residency had been billed as a long-awaited return to the concert stage.

Since then, Parton had canceled several performances and public appearances as she dealt with ongoing health issues.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”