MP calls on Parliament to debate famous Dolly Parton song in bizarre motion
An MP has called on Parliament to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a Dolly Parton song in a bizarre motion.
The DUP's Jim Shannon said I Will Always Love You - which was later covered by Whitney Houston - means the world to his wife and urged the House of Commons to wish the country icon "continued success".
He has called for a debate in Parliament about the song.
Mr Shannon praised Ms Parton's "inspirational character" as he heaped praise on the song, which was recorded in the summer of 1973.
He took the unusual step of putting in an Early Day Motion (EDM) encouraging Parliament to agree with him, urging them to note the "sentiment" behind the track
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The song sold 200,000 copies in the UK, while Ms Houston's 1992 cover reached Number 1 in countries across the world.
DUP MP Jim Shannon is a big fan (PA)Praising Ms Parton, Mr Shannon, a former soldier in the Ulster Defence Regiment, called on MPs to highlight the contribution of the song.
Early day motions, written as a single sentence, give MPs the chance to call for a debate "on an early day".
It has cross-party support, with former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Labour's Nadia Whittome among those sponsoring it.
The member for Strangford's EDM reads in full: "That this House celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Dolly Parton's hit song I Will Always Love You; notes the sentiment behind this song and what it means to so many, including the wife of the hon. Member for Strangford; highlights the contribution this song and her music in general to the industry, especially in the late 1960s, early 1970s and over the last 50 years; further notes the large scale event held at the weekend in Dolly Parton's multi-million dollar theme park at Pigeon Forge in East Tennessee as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the song, that was written as a farewell to her business partner and mentor Peter Wagoner; and wishes Dolly continued success as she entertains and encourages so many through her music and inspirational character."
The song was written by Ms Parton as a farewell for business partner Porter Wagoner, spelling out her desire to go solo.
It was released in March 1974.
Elvis Presley was a massive fan of the track and wanted to do a cover version, but Ms Parton said it didn't happen because she would have had to sign away half the publishing rights.
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