Kelly Clarkson Fulfills Dolly Parton’s Request And Nails “I Will Always Love You” Cover During Las Vegas Residency

“I think you do one of the best versions of that song that I have ever heard,” Parton told Clarkson in a comment on social media.

Kelly Clarkson, Photo Courtesy of Denise Truscello; Dolly Parton, Photo by Andrew Wendowski

Kelly Clarkson has by now become just as beloved for her “Kellyoke” covers as she has for her original music, and she took on another classic track during a recent show of her Las Vegas residency. The song in question was country music icon Dolly Parton‘s “I Will Always Love You,” and Clarkson told the crowd that she decided to sing the song after a personal request from Parton herself.

In June, Clarkson had shared a photo on Instagram of a marquee at Caesars Palace advertising both her own Sin City residency and Dolly Parton’s upcoming slate of shows at the venue later this year.

“Think this is a sign I should cover a Dolly song at one of my shows… but which song?” Clarkson wrote. Parton replied and suggested that Clarkson sing “I Will Always Love You.” “I think you do one of the best versions of that song that I have ever heard… Whitney and I would both be proud,” Parton wrote, referencing Whitney Houston, who famously covered the song for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard soundtrack.

During her Vegas concert, Clarkson explained her decision to acquiesce to Dolly Parton’s request, noting that she had previously performed “I Will Always Love You” at the 2022 ACM Awards as a tribute to Parton. That performance was also a request from the legendary country star and “Jolene” singer, according to Kelly Clarkson.

“They said ‘Hey, we’re doing a tribute for her, will you sing a song,’ and I was like ‘Sure,’ and they said, ‘She picked ‘I Will Always Love You,’ and I was like, ‘Have a good night,’” Clarkson joked. “Ain’t no singer in the world on their best day wants to sing ‘I Will Always Love You’ and it just freaked me out. So, I did it, I was terrified, and we were all collectively just about to s— our pants. People were kind, and it was fine, but [Parton] is standing side stage, I was like ‘Oh my God, that like the principal watching you do math on the chalkboard.’”

With her Instagram request, Clarkson found herself on the receiving end of Parton’s ask again, and she admitted to the crowd that when Dolly asks, you answer.

“Here’s the thing. This is how much I love Dolly Parton because when Dolly Parton asks you to sing something, you just shut your mouth and do it,” she said. “And I love Whitney Houston as well. She’s one of my biggest influences.”

Clarkson shared that being from Texas, the version of “I Will Always Love You” she first heard was actually Parton’s, but that the one she was about to perform would be a blend of Parton and Houston’s cuts of the track. “I do love this song, and it does mean something to me, it means something special for me,” she said. “Anyway, I’m doing this for Dolly.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show host also pointed out the fact that there was a portrait of Parton hanging on the wall of the stage behind her, next to other icons like Bonnie Raitt, Reba McEntire, Lauryn Hill, Janis Joplin, Patty Griffin, Steven Tyler. Clarkson told the crowd that “all these people… are big musical influences for me” and that the photos came from her studio or party barn.

When she did ultimately sing “I Will Always Love You,” it was, of course, a stunning rendition. Backed by minimal instrumentation, Clarkson delivered a powerful version of the song that had the crowd silent for much of it before erupting into cheers when Clarkson concluded.

The performance came during the first shows of Clarkson’s Studio Sessions residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which the American Idol winner started later than planned after she was forced to cancel her first two shows on Independence Day weekend to “protect” her voice. Studio Sessions are scheduled to run intermittently through November.

Kelly Clarkson, Photo Courtesy of Denise Truscello

Parton will descend on Las Vegas for her six-show residency in December, with her performances taking place between December 4-13 and coinciding with the National Finals Rodeo.

“To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I haven’t worked Vegas in years, and I’ve always loved singing there,” Parton shared in a statement. “I’m looking so forward to the shows in The Colosseum at Caesars, and I hope you are as well. See you there!”

Dolly: Live In Las Vegas will feature six performances that will take place from December 4 through December 13. See the full list of dates below.

December 2025: 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13
Dolly Parton, Photo Courtesy of Dolly: Live in Las Vegas via The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Vegas
The shows will mark her first extended run of concerts in 32 years. The last time Parton performed a stint of shows in Las Vegas was in the early ’90s at The Mirage, when she performed nearly 50 shows from 1990 through 1993.