Houston’s iconic rendition wasn’t the song’s first, though (viaAmo Mama).
Thecountry music starwrote and released the song in 1974 (viaGood Housekeeping).
“I couldn’t do it,” Parton told Meyers.
Her reasoning had to do with her legacy.
“I was leaving that for my family, and so I just didn’t do it.
And [Elvis] didn’t do it.
After Whitney recorded it, I realized that that was the best choice.”
Later, Parton toldThe Big Issuethat she “cried all night long” after making the difficult decision.
Parton also revealed another interesting fact about Elvis and her song.
“I know he loved the song.
That really touched me” (viaThe Big Issue).
The rights to the song ended up being quite lucrative for the “Jolene” singer.
It helped cement her fortune.
