Dolly Parton and Zach Williams teamed up to create the powerful and faith-filled song “There Was Jesus.” Released in 2019, the duet quickly rose to the top of the Christian Billboard charts. Their collaboration is a beautiful tribute to faith and serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. The song resonated with many listeners, showing the strength that faith can provide during life’s toughest moments. It also emphasizes how music has the ability to touch hearts and transcend generations.
Dolly Parton’s Grounded Nature Despite Stardom
Despite her fame and success, Dolly Parton has always stayed connected to her roots. Her humble beginnings and genuine nature make her more than just a country music icon—they’ve made her an influential and beloved figure in music and beyond. Dolly’s success didn’t come easily. Growing up in poverty, she experienced many of life’s struggles, which gave her a sense of empathy and humility that shines through in her artistry. Throughout her career, she has remained approachable and relatable, maintaining a genuine connection with her fans.
Zach Williams’ Insight into the Collaboration
Zach Williams, the Christian rock musician who co-wrote “There Was Jesus,” played a pivotal role in this duet. He had the idea to collaborate with Dolly on this song after realizing it would be a perfect fit for her. When Williams first wrote the song, he knew he wanted Dolly to be a part of it. After reaching out to her team, Dolly listened to the track and immediately connected with its message. They quickly scheduled time in the studio to record together.
Williams reflects on the experience with gratitude: “It was incredibly special to have the chance to record a song with Dolly Parton. Working with her was a true privilege. She has a unique talent for making you feel appreciated and at ease. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the soul-stirring magic we created.” Their collaboration proved to be a perfect blend of Dolly’s heartfelt voice and Williams’ powerful songwriting.
The Success of “There Was Jesus”
“There Was Jesus” became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Christian Airplay and Christian AC charts. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Dolly’s career, especially considering it was her first-ever No. 1 hit in the Christian music scene. The song’s success goes beyond just its chart performance—it resonated deeply with listeners, many of whom found comfort and strength in its message of faith.
Dolly’s delivery of the song speaks to her ability to connect with people on a deeply emotional level. Her ongoing success across multiple musical genres, including two Adult Contemporary chart-toppers, reflects the enduring power of her talent and humility. Her gratitude toward her fans further emphasizes the strong, supportive community that has stood by her for so long.
Dolly Parton’s Faith: The Cornerstone of Her Success
Dolly Parton’s Christian faith has always been a driving force in both her personal and professional life. She has never hesitated to speak about her beliefs, often stating that her faith in God is what has helped her achieve success. “Belief in God is crucial,” Dolly says. “You need to have faith in something greater than yourself. We were raised believing that with God, anything is possible.”
Her faith journey began at a young age, singing hymns and playing guitar at her family’s church. Dolly’s relationship with her faith is as strong as ever, and she has always been open about how it sustains her. As she explains, “People often express surprise that I openly discuss my faith, and I ask, ‘Why not? That’s who I am, and that’s what keeps me going.’”
Their live performance of “There Was Jesus” at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards in 2019 was a standout moment, and the accompanying music video has become one of Dolly’s most beloved collaborations. The song continues to inspire and uplift audiences, solidifying its place as one of Dolly Parton’s finest duets.
Conclusion: Dolly Parton and Zach Williams’ duet “There Was Jesus” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt reminder of the power of faith. Their collaboration serves as a testament to the strength that comes from belief in something greater than ourselves. With every note and lyric, the song touches the hearts of listeners, reminding them that faith can carry us through even the most difficult times.
