Dolly Parton is eating her words after calling "I Will Always Love You" HER song -- despite it being made famous by Whitney Houston -- and now tells TMZ, she's happy to share it with the late R&B legend.

Dolly took a lot of flack after her previous statement following Whitney's death -- "I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song."

But Dolly's loosening her grip on her country classic -- telling us, "I did not know Whitney, nor any of her family personally; but she will always be a part of my heart and I will always be grateful for her awesome performance and success with our song “ (emphasis hers).

Dolly adds, "My heart is with Whitney and her family as they lay her to rest ... I Will Always Love You."

Dolly's original version of the song was released in 1974. Whitney famously covered the track in 1992 for "The Bodyguard."

Despite over 45 years in the business, Dolly Parton still looks brand new.

Here's the 34-year-old Queen of Country back in 1980 (left) -- and nearly 32 years later, the 65-year-old at the Hollywood premiere of her new movie "Joyful Noise" this week (right).

The "9 to 5" star is timeless.

Legendary country diva Dolly Parton got busted last night.

The naturally talented 65-year-old showed off her trademark ginormous bosom buddies at the premiere of her new film "Joyful Noise" in L.A.

Dolly is a lock for Breast Supporting Actress this year.

For some reason, Dolly Parton decided to bust a RAP during her concert in L.A. this weekend ... inspired by Queen Latifah ... and boobs.



Here's a sample of Dolly's rhymes:

[on the subject of Queen Latifah]
"She's the queen of her own hood ...
but I'm the queen of Dollywood!"

"I don't hip and I don't hop ...
I'd black both eyes with this big top."

"I know the Queen has got 'em too ...
... but she don't work 'em like I do!"

What a way to make a livin'.

Thanks to our friends at ConcertConfessions.com for the footage.

Country music Barbie dolls Dolly Parton, 63, and Wynonna Judd, 45, wigged out at the same event in Nashville on Monday.



Question is ...

There aren't many 63-year-olds who can pull off the head-to-toe leather Emma Peel look -- but last night outside Boa, Dolly Parton and her 40DD friends did just that.


Like parts of Dolly, no word on if the leather was faux.

It's been 29 years since "9 to 5" hit theaters, but everyone's favorite office gals -- Doralee, Violet and Judy -- aren't ready to take that retirement package just yet.



Jane Fonda, 71, Dolly Parton, 63, and Lily Tomlin, 69, reunited in NYC last night for the opening of the Broadway adaptation of the hit film.

Mr. Hart was all tied up and couldn't make it.

Here's a Shih Tzu at the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in NYC on Tuesday (left) -- and 63-year-old country legend Dolly Parton in DC (right).



Both have been styled, groomed and adorned in order to appear cuter.

We're just sayin'.

Dolly Parton called the cops on some people last night -- and T-Pain and Ludacris may be the culprits.


Dolly was filming a music video on Hollywood Blvd. last night, when hooligans intentionally disrupted the shoot with some hip hop tunes, courtesy of a boom box.

Cops came and went, but the hecklers stayed as Dolly walked the streets.

LeAnn Rimes and her hubby see Jessica Simpson as a double threat -- and it has nothing to do with her singing.