The world of country music has witnessed countless legendary collaborations and iconic love songs over the years. However, few stories are as sweet and heartfelt as the tale of Merle Haggard’s deep admiration for Dolly Parton, which led him to write one of the most romantic songs of his career—Always Wanting You.
Merle Haggard, known for his raw emotional depth and authenticity in songwriting, had an undeniable crush on Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country Music. Their connection went beyond professional admiration, and Merle’s feelings for Dolly were reflected in the lyrics of Always Wanting You. What makes this story even more special is that Merle didn’t just write the song—he sang it to Dolly over the phone, creating an unforgettable, tender moment between the two country music legends.
In this article, we’ll explore the touching backstory behind Always Wanting You, how Merle Haggard shared it with Dolly, and the beautiful bond between these two icons that fans still cherish today.
Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton: A Deep Connection
Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton shared a special friendship that transcended the country music scene. Their bond was rooted in mutual respect for each other’s talents, but there was also a deep personal connection that grew over time. Merle, a man known for his gruff exterior and tough persona, had a soft spot for Dolly, whose charm and larger-than-life personality captivated not just fans but fellow musicians too.
Despite their busy careers, Merle and Dolly found time to spend together, often conversing over the phone. It was during one of these phone calls that Merle’s admiration for Dolly blossomed into a song that would forever capture his feelings.
Writing ‘Always Wanting You’ for Dolly Parton
Merle Haggard was no stranger to writing songs about love, loss, and longing, but Always Wanting You came from a place of true affection. The lyrics, which speak to the deep yearning and desire that often accompanies unrequited or long-distance love, reflected Merle’s feelings for Dolly, who had already become an iconic figure in his life.
He knew Dolly’s love for music, and more specifically, her love of storytelling through song. Writing Always Wanting You felt like a natural way for Merle to express what he had been feeling for her. The song was a beautiful mix of Merle’s trademark honky-tonk style and the deep emotional resonance that he was known for as a songwriter.
The chorus, “Always wanting you, always needing you, loving you, like no one can,” was a declaration of his heartfelt emotions—an intimate portrayal of how Merle truly felt about Dolly, though he wasn’t sure whether those feelings were ever truly reciprocated.
The Special Phone Call: Merle Sings to Dolly
After completing Always Wanting You, Merle decided to take the next step in his romantic gesture—he called Dolly and sang it to her over the phone. Imagine being Dolly Parton, hearing Merle Haggard’s deep, gravelly voice sing such a tender, emotional love song just for you. This intimate moment added a layer of personal connection to the song and cemented it as one of Merle’s most heartfelt and enduring pieces of music.
For Dolly, it was a moment she would never forget. While the song was full of yearning, it also showcased the deep respect Merle had for her as both a person and an artist. It wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration, something she would treasure for the rest of her life. She knew Merle as a fellow legend, but this gesture revealed the man behind the music—vulnerable and caring.
The Impact of ‘Always Wanting You’
When Always Wanting You was released, it resonated with fans who could feel the authenticity in Merle’s voice. His ability to take something personal and make it universally relatable has always been a hallmark of his music, and this song was no exception.
Though it wasn’t a massive commercial hit, Always Wanting You has become a beloved song in Merle Haggard’s catalog, particularly among fans who appreciate the emotional depth of country music. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its simplicity and honesty, capturing the feelings of longing and desire that many of us have experienced at one point or another.
Dolly Parton’s Response to Merle’s Gesture
Dolly Parton has often spoken about the kindness and talent of Merle Haggard, and she has expressed her appreciation for his song. While Dolly herself was already a well-established star by the time Always Wanting You was written, she acknowledged the deep affection and respect Merle showed her with such a personal gift.
Dolly’s reaction to the song has been filled with gratitude and warmth. In interviews, she has shared how she was touched by Merle’s gesture and how it deepened their friendship. Though the love Merle expressed in the song may not have blossomed into a romantic relationship, it strengthened their bond as two of the most iconic figures in country music.
Legacy of the Song and Their Relationship
The song Always Wanting You may have been born out of Merle Haggard’s affection for Dolly, but it stands as a testament to the deep emotional connection that music can create. It represents more than just the feelings between two legendary country artists—it’s a story of respect, admiration, and the power of song to convey feelings that words alone often cannot express.
Even as both Merle and Dolly went on to have their own respective love lives, the song remains a symbol of the special friendship they shared. Dolly, known for her own heartfelt songwriting, surely recognized the emotional depth of Always Wanting You and appreciated the gesture Merle made to show her just how much she meant to him.
Conclusion: A Song That Stands the Test of Time
Always Wanting You is a country music classic, not just because of its emotional depth and the iconic voices behind it, but because of the heartfelt story that surrounds it. Merle Haggard’s phone call to Dolly Parton, singing the song he had written for her, is a moment of vulnerability and tenderness that has since become part of country music lore.
Though Merle and Dolly may not have shared a romantic relationship, the love and admiration expressed in the song was real, and their connection remains an enduring example of the powerful bonds that can form through music. Always Wanting You is a timeless reminder of how music can convey emotions that transcend words—an enduring love song born from the heart of Merle Haggard for Dolly Parton.
FAQs
1. Did Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton ever have a romantic relationship?
While Merle Haggard had a deep affection for Dolly Parton, they did not pursue a romantic relationship. Their connection remained rooted in friendship and mutual respect, with Merle’s song Always Wanting You being a testament to his feelings.
2. What was Dolly Parton’s reaction to Merle Haggard’s song?
Dolly was deeply touched by Merle’s gesture of writing and singing Always Wanting You to her over the phone. She has spoken about the emotional connection she felt with the song and how it strengthened their friendship.
3. Is Always Wanting You one of Merle Haggard’s biggest hits?
Though Always Wanting You was not a major commercial hit, it has become a beloved song among fans of Merle Haggard and is recognized for its emotional depth and sincerity.
4. Why did Merle Haggard write Always Wanting You for Dolly Parton?
Merle wrote Always Wanting You as a way to express his affection for Dolly Parton, whom he admired deeply both as a person and an artist. The song was a personal expression of longing and admiration.
5. How does Always Wanting You reflect Merle Haggard’s style of songwriting?
Merle Haggard’s songwriting was known for its authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional resonance. Always Wanting You is a prime example of his ability to turn personal feelings into universal themes of love, longing, and loss.
