Dolly Parton wrote 'I Will Always Love You' as a farewell to Porter Wagoner

Dolly Parton wrote the enduring hit 'I Will Always Love You' as a farewell following the end of her professional partnership with Porter Wagoner. After appearing on 'The Porter Wagoner Show' starting in 1967, Parton decided to pursue a full-time solo career in 1974, a move Wagoner opposed.

The song became a number one hit for Parton in June 1974. The track saw subsequent massive success, including a 1982 re-recording for 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' and a 1992 pop version by Whitney Houston for the film 'The Bodyguard'.

The professional split led to legal conflict when Wagoner sued Parton for breach of contract in 1980, seeking $3 million in damages. The two eventually settled out of court and reconciled before Wagoner's death in 2007.