Dolly Parton’s phenomenal career includes Guiness World Recordsand a massive list of award wins and nominations.
The country music legend’s been writing and performing music since the 1950s.
In 1967Parton got her big breakwhen she partnered with singer and TV star Porter Wagoner.
At the time, Parton was 21 and she was focused on a solo career.
Teaming up had big benefits for Wagoner, too, and singing with Parton boosted his popularity.
He also began managing her career and offering input on creative decisions involving her music.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t all a win-win.
Despite their professional success, Parton and Wagoner’s relationship was fraught with personal difficulties.
“It was a love-hate relationship.
While Parton’s writing abilities brought her acclaim, it led to friction between the two musicians.
Even so, Parton and Wagoner fostered a friendship that spanned decades and recovered from serious setbacks.
After a series of unproductive discussions, Parton poured her heart outwriting “I Will Always Love You.
““It’s saying, ‘Just because I’m going don’t mean I won’t love you.
but I’m out of here,'” she divulged to CMT (viaThe Boot).
However, he also clinched a deal to produce Parton’s track.
Unfortunately, their relationship became damaged by legal actions.
In 1979, Wagoner claimed Parton owed him $3 million due to a breach of her contract.
Happily, the two friends eventually overcame their contentious past and decided to offer mutual forgiveness.
When Wagoner died in 2007, Parton was by his side, singing to him.
“Dolly is family,” Porter’s daughter Debra informedCloser.
“It meant everything in the world to us as family for her to share that time.”
