Porter Wagoner would have been 97 years old today. Widely known for his Nudie suits and decades of devotion to the Grand Ole Opry, Wagoner unintentionally changed the face of country music with his TV show in the ’60s. In 1967, he introduced his audience to a young singer from the hills of East Tennessee. He and Dolly Parton would go on to have a successful duet career for years. Then, she wanted to break away from the Wagonmaster and pursue a solo career. She announced her departure from their duo with the iconic song “I Will Always Love You.”
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While Parton and Wagoner parted ways in 1974, their friendship remained. As a result, when it came time for Wagoner to celebrate his 80th birthday and his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, she was there. Parton joined artists like Marty Stuart, Patty Lovelace, and more at the Opry on August 12, 2007.
The night was full of stories, songs, and performances honoring Wagoner and his career. However, no moment was as touching as Parton once again singing “I Will Always Love You” to him. This time, though, she did so in front of a packed house and a television audience.
Dolly Parton Honors Porter Wagoner
As the festivities drew to a close, Marty Stuart put his arm around Parton and said, “Miss Dolly, there’s no way in the world we could close this show without this song.”
“No, that’s exactly right,” she agreed. “I think this is something we’d all like to say to Porter. If it wouldn’t have been for Porter, I wouldn’t have written this song,” she explained. “This was my goodbye song to Porter, but he just wouldn’t get away,” she jokingly added. “Anyway, this is a song that means a great deal to me and we all love you, Porter,” she said before singing “I Will Always Love You” directly to Wagoner.
“I Will Always Love You” is always a touching song. However, seeing Parton performing it for the person she wrote it for takes it to another level. The fact that she sings most of the song while either touching or looking directly at him almost assures that there were very few dry eyes in the Opry House that night.
Featured Image by Jason Moore/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
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