Dolly Parton's Funeral Song Wish: Not I Will Always Love You

Dolly Parton described the profound grief she experienced upon hearing Whitney Houston's iconic rendition of "I Will Always Love You" played at Houston's funeral in February 2012. Parton, who penned the song in 1972 as a poignant farewell to her former duet partner Porter Wagoner, found the moment "shattering" and deeply emotional.

Houston's powerful performance for the film "The Bodyguard" transformed the song into a global phenomenon. While grateful for the immense success and the connection it forged with Houston and her music, Parton expressed a personal wish for a different song to be played at her own funeral. She hopes for "If We Never Meet Again," an old country-gospel tune her father favored and was sung at his service, to be the chosen piece.

Parton acknowledged the immense impact Houston and Kevin Costner had in bringing her heartfelt composition to worldwide audiences. She believes the song's journey from a personal goodbye to a universally recognized anthem was a blessing. Nevertheless, her final wish remains tied to "If We Never Meet Again," a song carrying deep personal significance and a hopeful message of reunion in the afterlife.