I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton) – 1974

In 1974, Dolly Parton wrote the iconic song “I Will Always Love You.”. While the lyrics suggest it is about ending a romantic relationship, it is actually about ending a professional relationship. The song was written when Parton decided to leave Porter Wagoner’s show.

Her relationship with Wagoner who was her duet partner and mentor hit a snag a year earlier because of her decision to leave his show. Although she worked with him on his show for five years, he was apparently not ready for her to launch her own solo career. Nevertheless, he finally relented after she sang this song to him.