"I Will Always Love You," Priscilla Presley wrote Tuesday afternoon on Instagram, expressing her affection for Dolly Partonby quoting the title of the late country singer's best-selling composition — "a song that holds such personal place in my heart," Presley wrote.
Born eight months before Parton, the 81-year-old former wife of Elvis Presley
wrote on Aug. 15: "I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton.
"Dolly brought so much joy, kindness and beautiful music into the world. I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart — I Will Always Love You.
"After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that
song to me as we walked down the steps together. Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly."
Parton's recording of the song later was used during the climax of Sofia Coppola's 2023 movie about the Elvis-Priscilla romance, "Priscilla," on which Priscilla Presley served as an executive producer.
Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton apparently never met. But Parton told CMT in an interview that Elvis had intended to record his own version of "I Will Always Love You," until the plan was scuttled when Elvis' manager, "Colonel" Tom Parker, insisted that Elvis receive half the song's publishing rights. Parton refused to relinquish control of the song. That proved to be a smart decision: In 1992, "I Will Always Love You" became Parton's best-selling composition after Whitney Houston released her version, which has sold more than 20 million copies.
On social media, Priscilla Presley called Parton "truly one of a kind."
"Her music touched all of us, but it was Dolly's warmth, humor and enormous heart that made her truly one of a kind," Presley wrote. "My thoughts and prayers are with her family and everyone who loved her.
"Rest in peace, Dolly," Presley concluded. "You will always be loved and never forgotten."
John Beifuss is an entertainment writer at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at john.beifuss@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Priscilla Presley 'so saddened' by death of Dolly Parton
