Dolly Parton's Journey: From Porter Wagoner To Musical Icon

Dolly Parton always knew she wanted to forge her own path in the music industry, and that’s why she parted ways with one of her first managers. The legendary country singer has opened up on how she always "bashed heads" with Porter Wagoner, who gave Parton her first big break. Wagoner was a country music singer who hosted his own nationally syndicated musical variety show on which he introduced Parton to the world. He then signed her to a multi-year deal on the show, mentored the iconic singer, and also managed her career.

Parton was speaking with cooking mogul Martha Stewart on her eponymous podcast when the host asked her how she was able to wrestle her career away from Wagoner and control her own fate. Parton revealed that she had come to Nashville to be her own star and got her start in the big time with Porter because he had the number one syndicated show at the time. Despite agreeing to perform on Porter’s show for five years, she ended up staying for seven, which brought both opportunities and challenges.

Reflecting on her relationship with Wagoner, Parton shared, "We had a lot of duets together, but we were like oil and water, so to speak." This dynamic led to friction, as both had their own dreams, and Parton felt the need to pursue her own success. Even though they managed to reconcile and perform together again, she emphasized the importance of standing her ground and maintaining her identity in the industry.

Parton also discussed her two biggest hits, "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," which she described as her "leaving song" for Porter. When she played him "I Will Always Love You," Wagoner was moved to tears, acknowledging the song as her best work and expressing his desire to produce it. This pivotal moment marked not just a professional agreement but also a significant emotional connection.

The release of "I Will Always Love You" in 1974 propelled Parton to fame as it topped the Billboard Hot Country charts. The song had a revival in 1982 when it featured on the soundtrack for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, a film in which she starred alongside Burt Reynolds. Furthermore, Whitney Houston's cover for The Bodyguard soundtrack turned it into a global phenomenon, solidifying its place in music history as the bestselling single by a female artist.

In essence, Dolly Parton's journey in the music industry is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her story inspires countless individuals to pursue their dreams, emphasizing the significance of self-identity and the courage to follow one's path, regardless of challenges.