Critics said that Dolly's voice was "never as convincing as it was in this song."  About Whitney, she made a "pop-gospel assertion of lasting devotion to a departing lover."  But did she?  Did Dolly write this about a departing lover, or someone else?   An apparent love song, its actual meaning is much deeper.  

1974 Performance by Dolly Parton

1995 Interview of Dolly with Porter Wagoner

Dolly performing the song to Porter at his 50 year anniversary with Grand Ole Opry

I Will Always Love You video

1992 Interview with Whitney about The Bodyguard

Art by Kitty Sopow