The first time music icon Dolly Parton heard Whitney Houston's version of I'll Always Love You in her 1992 hit movie Bodyguard, she had a surreal and very emotional reaction. The star is opening up on The Kelly Clarkson Show about the special moment and we even get a little duet from the two superstars!
Keep reading for the details.
Parton wrote the hit song in 1973 and it did amazing numbers, then it was covered by the late singer and actress Whitney Houston as the theme song for her movie. Parton revealed to Clarkson that she wasn't initially sure if the song was going to be used in the movie or not, but she randomly heard it in her car shortly after the movie came out.
“I was just driving along and I had the radio on and I just heard this, ‘If I should stay’... It's just one of those things like a dog hearing a whistle, and I go ‘What is that?’” the award winning country singer said.
Clarkson honestly couldn't have asked a better question because Parton's answer just unlocked a core memory.
A curious Clarkson sought to know further if it was really the first time she heard it. Parton affirmed it was and said they hadn't sent her the cover or done anything, causing her to freak out the moment she heard and even pulled over to the side.
"They did nothing. I heard it on the radio. And so when it went into ‘And I,’ I just freaked out. I had to pull over to the side because, honestly, I thought I was 'gonna wreck. It was the most overwhelming feeling. And you know how great that was.”
The award-winning country singer then went on to cheer Clarkson for singing her own cover of the song at the Academy Of Country Music Awards stating she was emotional and Whitney would be so proud of the Since You Been Gone singer.
Clarkson instantly got emotional at this comment and rightfully so! Getting a praise from a talented act like Ms. Parton should be on every singer's bucket list. Clarkson performed the song as a tribute to Parton which earned her a standing ovation from the icon herself back in March 2022.
The talk show host has adored Parton for years and even shared a photo on her Instagram featuring both of them from the night of the award and captioned it "What is life!? I love you @DollyParton!"
They also sang a little duet of the song on her talk show garnering loud cheers from the crowd. The pair are set to collaborate in the near future and are recording a duet of Parton's 1980 hit 9 to 5 which will be featured in a documentary Still Working 9 to 5, of the same name.
