Dolly Parton has once again proven that her star power transcends genres, partnering with Christian rock musician Zach Williams to deliver a heartfelt tribute to faith with their duet, “There Was Jesus.” This powerful song shot straight to the top of the Christian Billboard charts, reminding us all that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams and lean into our faith.
A Down-to-Earth Legend
Despite achieving worldwide fame and fortune, Dolly Parton has never lost her connection to everyday people. Her genuine, down-to-earth nature is what makes her not just a beloved artist but also an admirable human being. Growing up in extreme poverty, Dolly truly understands the struggles of life. This humility and kindness shine through in everything she does, whether it’s in her music, her charity work, or simply the way she treats those around her.
Even today, as one of country music’s reigning queens, Dolly continues to captivate audiences with her timeless voice and heartfelt songs. Her recent collaborations, especially with Zach Williams, have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The Birth of “There Was Jesus”
Released in 2019, “There Was Jesus” is a poignant song that speaks to the journey of finding faith during life’s most challenging moments. Co-written by Zach Williams, the song beautifully weaves together melodies and lyrics that touch the soul. From the moment the song was completed, Williams knew he wanted Dolly Parton to join him on the track. His team reached out to her manager, and once Dolly heard the song, she was immediately drawn to it.
The collaboration came together quickly. In a press release, Williams expressed his excitement, saying, “It was an amazing moment just to have the privilege to record a song with Dolly Parton. Working with her was an absolute honor. She makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the room. She’s so genuine and down-to-earth, and I can’t wait for people to hear that come through in the song.”
A Chart-Topping Hit
The song quickly became a fan favorite, climbing to the top of the Christian music charts. “There Was Jesus” marked a milestone in Dolly’s illustrious career, as it became her first chart-topping hit on both the Christian Airplay and Christian AC charts. The song resonated deeply with listeners, touching those who have faced life’s lowest points and found themselves searching for hope.
Dolly’s Unwavering Faith
Zach Williams may not have anticipated it, but the impact of “There Was Jesus” was profound. The song has inspired countless individuals to reflect on their own spiritual journeys. For Dolly, the song is yet another testament to her unwavering faith. Throughout her career, she has been open about the role of her Christian beliefs in shaping her success.
“A belief in God is essential,” Dolly says. “You have to believe in something bigger than yourself. Growing up, we were taught that with God, all things are possible.” From a young age, Dolly found solace in her faith, singing hymns in the small mountain church where her grandfather preached. By the age of six, she was playing guitar and leading worship songs.
Dolly has never shied away from talking about her relationship with God. “People are surprised when I talk about my faith,” she says, “but why wouldn’t I? That’s who I am. That’s what keeps me going.” Her deep connection to her faith is evident in every note of “There Was Jesus.”
A Duet to Remember
Fans of both artists were thrilled when Williams and Parton performed the song live for the first time at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards on November 13, 2019. But it was the music video that truly captured the hearts of listeners. Many have hailed it as one of the best duets ever featuring Dolly Parton.
So, do you agree that “There Was Jesus” is one of Dolly’s best collaborations? If you haven’t yet, check out the music video and let the powerful message and soul-stirring vocals inspire you. It’s a beautiful reminder that, no matter where we are in life, faith can always guide us through the toughest of times.
