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Introduction
Merle Haggard, the legendary country music icon, was no stranger to powerful love songs. But one of the most personal and poignant tunes he ever wrote was inspired by a secret crush on none other than Dolly Parton. The two country legends shared an undeniable bond during their time on the road together in the early ’70s, and Haggard’s feelings for Parton ran deep, though they would never turn into a romance.
Haggard, who was raised in poverty much like Parton, found a kindred spirit in the country queen. His connection to Parton’s music was evident long before they toured together. He was one of the first artists to record her song “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad),” featured on her 1969 album of the same name. Parton’s lyrics about growing up poor resonated with Haggard, who would later feature the track on his own 1968 album Mama Tried. The two artists, each with their unique backgrounds, had an undeniable connection that transcended music.
As the 1970s unfolded, Haggard and Parton began spending more time together on the road. Touring with other country artists like Porter Wagoner, Parton’s mentor and collaborator, she also toured alongside Haggard. The two were often found in one another’s company, chatting about the music business, life, and their dreams.
In his 1981 memoir Sing Me Back Home, Haggard fondly recalled moments with Parton, saying, “My favorite image of America’s sweetheart is not all that glitter and show, but the kidlike creature who used to sit herself down on a pillow on the floor of my bus aisle, lay her head on my knees, and talk on and on about her dreams and that plan of hers to be a star.” He was smitten with her radiant confidence and beauty, but it was her passion and genuine spirit that captured his heart.
Haggard’s admiration for Parton went beyond the professional. Despite being married to Bonnie Owens and Parton to Carl Perkins, Haggard found himself in love with the “exceptional human being” behind the iconic look. He even confessed in his memoir that he would have carved “Merle loves Dolly” on every tree in the country if she’d asked him to.
But Parton, devoted to her marriage, gently turned down Haggard’s advances. She was clear with him, saying, “I’m married, Merle. Don’t you understand that I love Carl? I really do.” However, Haggard’s affection for her didn’t wane. It only deepened, eventually inspiring him to write a heartfelt song, “Always Wanting You,” which he wrote specifically for her.
In a bold move, Haggard called Parton late one night—at 3 a.m.—to sing the song over the phone. The lyrics conveyed his unrequited love and longing for her:
Always wanting you, but never having you
Makes it hard to face tomorrow
‘Cause I know I’ll wake up wanting you again…
Haggard admitted that he would have given anything to see her reaction. “I would have given anything to have seen her face,” he said, wondering what she thought of the song and of him. But when the song was finished, all he could do was listen to the silence at the other end of the line.
Released on Haggard’s 1975 album Keep Movin’ On, “Always Wanting You” became a No. 1 hit on the Country charts. Despite his heartfelt confession, Parton was unsure how to feel. “I didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or flattered,” she later remarked.
Though their love remained unspoken, their friendship endured over the years. Haggard made appearances on Parton’s 1980s television variety show Dolly, and they continued to support each other’s work. In 2016, when Haggard passed away, Parton paid tribute to him, calling him “one of the greatest writers and singers of all time” and recalling the tender heart behind his music. She added, “I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle.”
Even in his final interviews before his death in 2016, Haggard’s admiration for Parton was clear. He once said, “Oh, she’s hot, isn’t she? She’s the most charismatic human being alive. She’s Marilyn Monroe with a guitar.” The love he had for Parton remained constant, a testament to the profound connection they shared during their early years of touring together.
Their bond, built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared love of country music, will always be remembered as one of the genre’s most poignant and bittersweet friendships.