Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston fans on Thursday, learned that the singer died of atherosclerotic heart disease combined with what is now said to be "chronic cocaine use" and Ray J has said he didn't know Houston was using. Reuters

One of Whitney Houston's biggest hit songs is I Will Always Love You. The timeless single was written and first recorded by country singer Dolly Parton. When the song was covered by Houston it topped the singles chart for 14 weeks. Houston's name was solidified by that song and it was the song sung by Jennifer Hudson as a tribute the singer at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.

But there are many things that took place before Houston recorded that song. Here are seven things that you should know about the song I Will Always Love You.

1. Dolly Parton the song in 1973. It was a farewell written to her mentor, producer and duet partner, Porter Wagoner. They were parting ways as business partner at the time.

2. It was recorded in June 13, 1973 and released June 6, 1974 on Parton's 13th solo album, Jolene.

3. Parton recorded the song again in 1982 when it was placed on the soundtrack of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

4. It went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart twice, making Parton the first artist to get a No. 1 record twice with the same song.

5. When the song hit No.1 on the country charts, Elvis Presley said he wanted to cover it.

6. Kevin Costner was the reason the song made onto the soundtrack for the move The Bodyguard. He starred in the movie alongside Houston.

7. According to a report in Stop The Press, Houston's mentor, Clive Davis, didn't originally think the song would work for her.

Whitney's version

Parton's version

Billboard Billboard