AN unlikely source has called on MPs to mark the 50th anniversary of a legendary Dolly Parton hit with a debate in parliament.
Jim Shannon, an DUP MP, submitted an Early Day Motion encouraging Westminster to celebrate the significance of the song I Will Always Love You.
In the motion Shannon said he wanted MPs to “note the sentiment behind this song and what it means to so many” – including his wife. However, he also wanted to wish Parton continued success and remarked upon her “inspirational character”.
The full motion text read: “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.”
A total of 14 Scottish MPs have so far lent their support to the motion.
The seven SNP MPs are: Kirsten Oswald, Marion Fellows, Martin Docherty-Hughes, Stewart McDonald, Alison Thewliss, Stewart Hosie, Carol Monaghan, Dave Doogan, Angela Crawley, Dr Lisa Cameron, and Patrick Grady.
They were joined by two Scottish Liberal Democrat MPs, Christine Jardine and Wendy Chamberlain, and the independent MP Margaret Ferrier.
The SNP MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, Martyn Day, withdrew his signature after previously signing the motion.
The hit, which was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, was also released by the country singer the following year.
However, it gained cult status when it was recorded by Whitney Houston for the soundtrack of the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
So far, no Conservatives have signed the motion.
