NEWSDolly Parton Said 'I'm Sure' Song 'I Will Always Love You' Will Be Played 'When I Die' as She Recalled Emotional Moment at Whitney Houston's Funeral
Dolly Parton revealed the song she wanted played at her funeral years before her death.
Aug. 26 2026, Published 11:57 a.m. ET
Dolly Parton once shared the song that she hoped would be played at her funeral despite being "sure they'll play I Will Always Love You' when I die."
"There’s a song called 'If We Never Meet Again,'" Parton told Entertainment Weekly in 2014.
She added, "It’s an old country–gospel church song that talks about if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore."
Dolly Parton Explained Why She Chose the Song
Dolly Parton once revealed why she wanted 'If We Never Meet Again' played at her funeral.
The late singer-songwriter explained why the song held such a special place in her heart.
"That was my daddy’s favorite," she said.
"We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine," she added.
Dolly Parton reflected on Whitney Houston's funeral and the emotional moment 'I Will Always Love You' played.
Parton also discussed another song that many fans would naturally associate with her final farewell: "I Will Always Love You."
She recorded the song in 1974, making it one of her signature hits. Whitney Houston later made it a global sensation with her version for 1992’s The Bodyguard.
"I’m sure they’ll be playing 'I Will Always Love You' when I die, just like they did with Whitney Houston," Parton told EW.
"When they picked her coffin up and started in on that song, I started to cry, and I thought, 'Oh my Lord.' That’s when it hit me that she was really gone," she continued.
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The Song Held a Special Family Connection
Dolly Parton chose Albert E. Brumley’s gospel hymn 'If We Never Meet Again' for her funeral because it held special meaning for her family.
Parton's decision stemmed from more than the song's message. She specifically connected it to her father, who died in 2000.
"Where the charming roses bloom forever and where separations come no more," she added while recalling the song's lyrics.
Southern Gospel songwriter Albert E. Brumley wrote the hymn, which centers on the hope of meeting loved ones again in heaven.
Dolly Parton built her unique legacy through music, Broadway and philanthropy.
Following Parton’s death on August 25, at age 80, after a brief battle with cancer, her life and legacy will be remembered through her musical.
“As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of DOLLY: A True Original Musical will begin previews Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City,” the producers said in a statement Tuesday.
"Now, this isn't a story about sparkle and shine on the outside," Parton said in a video earlier.
"It's about where I really come from, what I've lived, what I've lost, what I've loved and how I've found my way and told it in my own words and through the music that's been part of me every step of the journey," she concluded.
