Dolly Parton famously declined an offer for Elvis Presley to cover her song "I Will Always Love You" in the 1970s because his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded 50% of the song's publishing rights. Parton had already written and published the song, intending the royalties as a legacy for her family, and considered the copyright her most important asset. Despite the personal heartbreak of turning down Presley, she stood firm on not relinquishing control over her composition.
This difficult business decision paid off handsomely nearly two decades later when Whitney Houston recorded her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" for "The Bodyguard" soundtrack in 1992. Houston's version became a monumental success, certified Diamond by the RIAA, spending 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and selling over 20 million copies worldwide. Parton's decision to retain full publishing rights meant she received all the royalties from this global hit, reportedly earning her more than $10 million in the 1990s alone from Houston's cover.
Parton's original recording of the song also achieved success, receiving a Platinum certification from the RIAA in 2021 and garnering over 168 million plays on Spotify. Industry insiders and fellow songwriters view Parton's move as a significant moment for songwriter advocacy, highlighting the importance of artists protecting their copyrights. Her decision not only secured her personal wealth, allowing her to invest in projects like a Nashville neighborhood as a tribute to Houston, but also set an example for other creators in an industry where writers are often pressured to give up publishing shares.
