Dolly said no to Elvis, but he — and the rest of the world — loved her anyway

By , Special to The Daily Memphian; , Daily Memphian Updated: August 25, 2026 2:55 PM CT | Published: August 25, 2026 2:52 PM CT

Beloved icon Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80, never met Elvis Presley, but they nearly collaborated on a version of her famed ballad “I Will Always Love You.”

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Dolly Parton Elvis Presley country music Memphis Nashville

Jody Callahan

Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.


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