The Story of ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston, Who Would Have Turned 61: Kevin Costner, Jailed Fans & More

“I Will Always Love You,” the legendary ’90s hit performed by Whitney Houston, remains one of her most cherished songs. Today, August 9, marks what would have been her 61st birthday. Originally written and performed by Dolly Parton in the ’70s, the song gained renewed fame when Houston featured it in her 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” co-starring Kevin Costner. Houston’s rendition, with its powerful acapella introduction—a choice suggested by Costner—became a global sensation. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks and is known for causing such an obsession among fans that some faced legal issues for excessive noise. Interestingly, Parton contributed a crucial verse to Houston’s version, extending its emotional impact. The song’s profound influence highlights both Houston’s vocal brilliance and Parton’s songwriting genius, cementing its place in music history.