On This Day in 1982, a Dolly Parton Classic Became the First Song to Top the Country Charts Twice

Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became the first song to top the US Hot Country Songs chart twice, when her rerecorded version reached No. 1 on 16 October 1982. The achievement involved two separate recordings by the same artist, rather than one recording returning to the top, and highlighted the song’s lasting appeal.

Parton first topped the chart with the song in 1974, after writing it while seeking to leave Porter Wagoner’s musical partnership. She rerecorded it for the 1982 film *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas* soundtrack; the single was released in July and reached No. 1 just over three months later. Parton later recorded it as a duet with Vince Gill in 1995, which peaked at No. 15 and won them a CMA Award.