Almost everyone will admit that Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” was not only much more successful but also better received than Dolly’s original rendition. This led tabloids and other gossip channels to create rumors that Dolly was jealous of Houston, and harbored ill feelings towards her. This wasn’t only inaccurate, it was actually the opposite of the truth.
Both Parton and Houston admired and loved each other. In 1993, Houston told Rolling Stone that she had personally thanked Parton at one point. Houston said that Paron thanked her and was honored that she covered her song.
Dolly Is a Fierce Businesswomen
If there’s one thing that Hollywood taught us over the years it’s that talent and creativity aren’t enough to succeed in show business. No matter how much potential you have, if it isn’t backed up with hard work and discipline — nothing can truly come out of it. Part of the success behind Dolly Parton’s career has been her focus on treating her music as a professional business.
In 2017, she told BBC News about the best career advice she ever received from her father. He told her never to let anyone take advantage of her especially when it came to business, so she treated music as a business. She explained that he wasn't a very educated man but was very wise.
The World’s Most Iconic Cover
Dolly’s iconic song, "I Will Always Love You", remains one of the most recognizable lyrical performances of all time. It regained its popularity back in 1992 when Whitney Houston covered it for the popular action film "The Bodyguard". In fact, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks. The song is also the world’s best-selling female single in history.
"I Will Always Love You" was later played at Houston’s funeral which almost broke the singer’s heart. Dolly said that when the coffin was lifted up she felt as if someone just stabbed her in the back. It was too much for her to handle. That song had an effect on most people she knew.
She’s Extremely Talented Financially
Dolly treats money differently than most people. Her rough background and inspirational parents led her to adopt a very financially responsible position and she has benefited greatly from it. From the minute she started making money she invested it wisely and saved it for a rainy day.
Dolly Parton’s business mentality and unwillingness to let luck control her destiny led to an accumulated net worth of over half a billion dollars. She still makes great money and works hard to earn it despite having more than she could ever do anything with. The singer earned a reported $37 million between 2016 and 2017 mostly from touring and her theme park.
Let's Get Down to Business
Dolly took her sizable profit and used it open a company called "The Dollywood Company". She invested much of her income in that company. She began to grow considerable assets including a theme park, a dinner theater restaurant, Dolly Parton's Stampede, the Dollywood's Splash Country waterpark, and the Dream More Resort and Spa.
Dolly Parton’s theme park is the world's 24th most popular theme park in the United States and averages more than three million annual visitors. It's quite clear that Parton has done a great job securing her assets and creating generational wealth for her children and their children too. As of 2019, the popular singer, actress, and businesswoman is worth around $500 million.