Song by Song: "I Will Always Love You" Quiz

Answer: Her business partner

When Dolly Parton decided it was time to move on from "The Porter Wagoner Show" to pursue a solo career, she wrote this song, as she told USA Today reporter Dave Paulson in a December 2015 interview, to explain to her long-time business partner "how much I appreciate everything, but I have to go." Dolly began working with Porter in 1967. "I learned so many things from Porter," she said. "We had one of those relationships where we were just so passionate about what we did; it was like fire and ice. We kind of butted heads all the time, but we loved each other."

Answer: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

The musical comedy stared Dolly Parton, Burt Reynolds, and Charles Durning, who was nominated for an Academy Award as best supporting actor. The soundtrack for the album, produced by Gregg Perry, was released on July 12, 1982. The song was originally recorded in 1973 and released as a single in 1974.

Answer: Elivs Presley

In an interview with Country Music Television, Dolly Parton recounted her reluctant refusal to have the King of Rock N' Roll cover her song: "I cried all night. I mean, it was like the worst thing. You know, it's like, 'Oh, my God ... Elvis Presley.'" While others urged her to sign over her rights for the privilege of having Presley cover her song, Dolly said, "Something in my heart [said], 'Don't do that. And I just didn't do it...But I always wondered what it would sound like. I know he'd kill it."

Answer: Whitney Houston's

Dolly Parton didn't regret turning down Elvis to hold onto her publishing rights when Whitney Houston recorded the song for the 1992 movie "The Bodyguard." Houston's version remained at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks straight. The artist won two Grammy Awards for the song, which was her first diamond single.

As of 2023, her version of the song was the all-time best-selling single by a female solo artist.

Answer: Pattie LaBelle

In an interview on "The Breakfast Club," Pattie LaBelle told hosts, ""Dolly Parton, a long time ago, said 'Patti I want you to cover this song.' And so I said of course, yes, because I love the song. But then something happened. The movie came. Whitney killed it, and I'm still sitting."

ILoveOldSchoolMusic.com quotes LaBelle as regretting "letting a few songs go that could have been mine." However, LaBelle added, "But those songs made other people famous so I'm okay with that!"

Answer: in your way

"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."

Dolly Parton's song also had success in Canada, peaking at the number four position on Canada Country Tracks (RPM) in 1974. The 1982 version peaked at number eight on the same chart.

Answer: Sarah Washington

Washington's cover peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles (OCC) Chart in 1993 and at number 14 on Ireland's IRMA. It was released with "Body Heat" on the B-side.

Answer: Bitter-sweet

"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."

According to BMI, "I Will Always Love You" boasted over 10 million broadcast performances by 2024. The song has been covered by Linda Ronstadt and LeAnn Rimes, among others.

Answer: Vince Gill

Dolly Parton performed the song with Vince Gill at the Grande Olde Opry on August 26, 1995 and recorded it for her album "Something Special." The duet received a nomination for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards.

Answer: Love

"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"

The cast of "Glee" covered Whitney Houston's version of this song in season three of the television series. The soundtrack to the season released on February 14, 2012.