Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” Duet Is Still Breaking Hearts Years Later

Two of country music’s biggest stars, Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton, once came together on stage for a powerful and emotional duet of “I Will Always Love You” — and fans still can’t get over it. The performance, though recorded years ago, continues to go viral as new generations discover the unmatched beauty of this rare musical moment.

A Legendary Song With a Legendary History

“I Will Always Love You” is one of the most iconic songs in country music history. Written and originally performed by Dolly Parton in 1973, the song was a heartfelt farewell to her longtime mentor and business partner Porter Wagoner.

The track topped the country charts twice: once in 1974 and again in 1982, when it was re-released for the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. But it wasn’t until Whitney Houston’s unforgettable 1992 cover for The Bodyguard soundtrack that the song became a global anthem of love, loss, and letting go.

Despite the many versions over the years, Dolly Parton’s original remains one of the most cherished — and hearing her sing it alongside Carrie Underwood was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The Duet That Stopped Time

This stunning duet took place during Carrie Underwood’s “All-Star Holiday Special”, which aired on television in 2009. Dressed in elegant white, both Carrie and Dolly stood side by side, surrounded by soft lighting and a hushed crowd.

The moment they began to sing, the room fell completely silent. Carrie opened with the first verse, her voice crystal clear and full of emotion. Dolly then joined in for the chorus — and when their voices met in harmony, it was pure magic.

The performance was never overproduced or flashy. It was raw, intimate, and deeply respectful of the song’s emotional core.

Carrie Underwood: A Student of the Greats

Carrie Underwood has long expressed her admiration for Dolly Parton, calling her a mentor and trailblazer. From the beginning of her career after winning American Idol, Carrie has always honored the women who came before her.

In interviews, she has often described “I Will Always Love You” as one of the most difficult songs to perform — not just vocally, but emotionally. To share the stage with its original creator was, in her words, “an honor beyond words.”

Dolly Parton: Timeless Grace and Vocal Power

Even decades after first writing the song, Dolly Parton’s delivery in this performance is nothing short of breathtaking. Her voice, filled with wisdom and warmth, blends perfectly with Carrie’s youthful clarity.

Rather than trying to outshine one another, the two singers complemented each other in a way that only happens when there’s deep mutual respect.

Why This Moment Still Resonates

This duet is more than just a performance — it’s a passing of the torch. It’s a moment that celebrates legacy, emotion, and the power of storytelling through song. Fans who watch the video today still comment:

• “This gave me chills. The harmony is unreal.”

• “Carrie did it justice, but Dolly… Dolly is the soul of this song.”

• “This is country music at its best.”

As country continues to evolve, performances like this remind us where it all began — and why those roots still matter.

Watch Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton Perform “I Will Always Love You” Below: