On July 5, 2025, country music icon Dolly Parton delivered a heartfelt endorsement that sent shockwaves through the music world, declaring Kelly Clarkson’s cover of “I Will Always Love You” as “one of the best ever.” Speaking at a charity event in Nashville, Parton praised Clarkson’s soul-stirring rendition, first performed at the 2022 ACM Awards, saying both she and the late Whitney Houston would be proud of the performance. The moment, captured on video and shared widely on platforms like X, reignited admiration for Clarkson’s vocal prowess and highlighted the enduring legacy of Parton’s timeless ballad, written in 1973. This rare accolade from Parton, whose song has been covered by countless artists, underscores Clarkson’s place among music’s elite and the emotional power of a song that continues to resonate across generations.

A Legendary Song’s Journey

“I Will Always Love You,” written by Dolly Parton in 1973, is one of the most iconic songs in music history. Penned as a farewell to her professional partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner, the song expressed Parton’s gratitude and resolve to pursue a solo career. Released in 1974 on her Jolene album, it topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a feat Parton repeated in 1982 with a re-recording for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The song’s global fame skyrocketed in 1992 when Whitney Houston’s powerhouse rendition for The Bodyguard soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, spending 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning diamond certification for over 10 million units sold. Houston’s version, with its a cappella opening and soaring climax, won Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, in 1994, and remains the best-selling single by a female artist, with over 24 million copies sold worldwide.

Parton herself has shared emotional stories about the song’s impact. In a 2022 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she recalled hearing Houston’s version on the radio while driving in Nashville, nearly wrecking her car from the overwhelming emotion. “When it went into ‘And I,’ I just freaked out,” she said. “It was the most overwhelming feeling.” Parton invested her $10 million in royalties from Houston’s cover into a Nashville office complex in a Black community, calling it “the house that Whitney built” as a tribute to the late singer, who died in 2012. The song’s history also includes near-misses, with Elvis Presley almost recording it—Parton famously declined to give up half her publishing rights—and Patti LaBelle expressing regret for not covering it before Houston.

Clarkson’s Moment in the Spotlight

Kelly Clarkson’s journey with “I Will Always Love You” began at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on March 7, 2022, where she performed the song as a tribute to Parton, who was hosting the event. Clarkson, a Grammy-winning artist and the original American Idol champion, delivered a performance that balanced power and vulnerability, earning a standing ovation at Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium. Parton, visibly moved, took the stage afterward, saying, “I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight. She would be proud of that.” She admitted to “trying not to cry my false eyelashes off” backstage, a sentiment that resonated with fans and critics alike.

Clarkson’s rendition was a bold undertaking. On The Howard Stern Show in 2023, she admitted hesitating to perform the song due to its association with Houston’s monumental version. “Nobody usually sings that song, because you shouldn’t,” she said, noting that The Bodyguard soundtrack’s cultural impact made it “bigger than the song” itself. Despite her apprehension, Clarkson’s love for Parton and desire to honor her legacy drove her to accept the challenge. “You can’t let your ego kill the moment,” she told Stern. Her performance, marked by its emotional depth and vocal precision, avoided mimicking Houston’s bombast, instead channeling Parton’s understated authenticity while showcasing her own signature style.

Parton’s Historic Praise

At the July 2025 charity event for Parton’s Imagination Library in Nashville, the 79-year-old legend reflected on the many covers of her song, from Linda Ronstadt to Kenny Rogers. But it was Clarkson’s rendition that she singled out as “one of the best ever.” Addressing a crowd of supporters, Parton said, “Kelly took that song and made it her own, but she kept its heart. I felt every word, and I know Whitney would’ve too. We’re both so proud of her.” The statement, recorded by attendees and shared on X, sparked a frenzy online, with fans calling it a “career-defining moment” for Clarkson. One user posted, “Dolly saying Kelly’s cover is one of the best ever? That’s like getting a Grammy from God.” Another wrote, “Kelly Clarkson just got crowned by Dolly AND Whitney’s legacy. Iconic.”

Parton’s praise wasn’t new—she had lauded Clarkson’s performance during their 2022 Kelly Clarkson Show appearance, where the two shared an impromptu duet of the song’s chorus, bringing the audience to its feet. “Your breaks in your voice are so magical,” Clarkson told Parton, calling her a “magical fairy human.” The mutual admiration was evident, with Parton noting Clarkson’s ability to capture the song’s emotional core. Their collaboration extended beyond the duet, as they recorded a new version of Parton’s “9 to 5” for the 2022 documentary Still Working 9 to 5, further cementing their bond.

A Song That Transcends Time

“I Will Always Love You” holds a unique place in music history, not just for its commercial success but for its emotional resonance. Parton wrote it as a farewell to Wagoner, expressing respect and gratitude despite their professional split. “I wrote that song to say, ‘Here’s how I feel. I will always love you, but I have to go,’” she told Mojo in 2004. Its simplicity—a tender ballad with a tempo of 66 beats per minute—belies its universal appeal, speaking to love, loss, and moving forward.

Houston’s 1992 cover transformed it into a power ballad, with Kevin Costner’s suggestion to include an a cappella opening amplifying its drama. The song’s success, selling over 24 million copies, redefined Houston’s career and brought Parton’s songwriting to a global audience. Yet, debates persist about which version reigns supreme. On a 2022 Reddit thread, fans argued passionately, with some favoring Parton’s “heartbreak” and others praising Houston’s “vocal dexterity.” One user noted, “Dolly’s version makes me cry because you feel the sadness. Whitney’s is a showstopper, but it’s about the performance.”

Clarkson’s cover bridges these worlds. Her rendition, available on YouTube from the 2022 ACM Awards, retains the song’s country roots while infusing it with her soulful, pop-inflected style. Critics on Smooth Radio called it “spine-tingling,” noting her ability to honor both Parton’s authenticity and Houston’s grandeur without imitating either.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Parton’s endorsement has elevated Clarkson’s status in the music industry, where she’s already celebrated for her versatility across pop, country, and soul. The former Voice coach, who returned to the show in 2025, has a history of tackling challenging covers, from Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” to Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry.” Her respect for Parton is evident in her work, including their “9 to 5” duet, which Clarkson called a career highlight. “I got to sing with the magical Dolly Parton, and now have bragging rights til the end of time!” she said in a 2022 press statement.

The charity event where Parton praised Clarkson also highlighted her Imagination Library, which has distributed over 200 million books to children worldwide. Clarkson, a longtime supporter, performed at the event, dedicating her set to “the woman who inspires us all.” The moment underscored their mutual admiration and shared commitment to giving back. Fans on X called for a full duet album, with one writing, “Dolly and Kelly together are unstoppable. We need more!”

A Song That Lives On

Parton’s praise for Clarkson reinforces the timelessness of “I Will Always Love You.” The song’s journey—from a country farewell to a global anthem—reflects its ability to connect across genres and generations. Parton’s refusal to cede publishing rights to Elvis Presley’s team, a decision she called “heartbreaking” but necessary, ensured her creative control, leading to millions in royalties and cultural impact.

For Clarkson, the endorsement is a testament to her artistry. “To have Dolly say that about my version, knowing what it meant to her and Whitney, is the greatest honor,” she said in a July 6, 2025, Instagram post. As fans continue to share clips of her ACM performance, the moment serves as a reminder of music’s power to unite. For those inspired to support Parton’s causes, donations can be made to the Imagination Library via dollyparton.com. In a world of fleeting trends, Parton, Houston, and now Clarkson prove that love—and a great song—endures forever.