Dolly Parton has paid tribute to Whitney Houston, saying she will forever appreciate her success with 'I Will Always Love You'.
Parton recorded and released the song in 1974, eighteen years before Houston's rendition became the biggest hit of her career, thanks to the hit film 'The Bodyguard'.
She said: "I did not know Whitney nor any of her family personally; but she will always be a part of my heart and I will always be grateful for her awesome performance and success with our song 'I Will Always Love You'. Rest in peace, Whitney."
The country music legend had previously spoken out in support of Jennifer Hudson's tribute performance of the song at last Sunday's Grammy Awards, admitting she broke down in tears whilst watching it.
"I was brought to tears again last night, as I'm sure many were, when Jennifer Hudson sang 'I Will Always Love You' on the Grammys in memory of Whitney," she said in a statement. "Like everybody else, I am still in shock. But I know that Whitney will live forever in all the great music that she left behind.
"I will always have a very special piece of her in the song we shared together and had the good fortune to share with the world. Rest in peace, Whitney. Again, we will always love you."
Whitney's funeral service is taking place in New Jersey today.
Listen to Parton's version of 'I Will Always Love You' below:
Whitney's last days
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