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Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris – To Know Him Is to Love Him

To Know Him Is To Love Him - Remastered - song and lyrics by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris | Spotify

About the Song 

“To Know Him Is to Love Him,” beautifully interpreted by the legendary trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, stands as one of the most heartwarming and tender collaborations in country music history. Initially written by Phil Spector in 1958 and popularized by his vocal group, The Teddy Bears, this gentle ballad gained fresh emotional depth and soulful resonance when reimagined by these three iconic voices for their acclaimed 1987 album, Trio.

Individually, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris have long been beloved for their uniquely expressive vocal styles—Parton’s crystalline purity, Ronstadt’s powerful warmth, and Harris’s hauntingly ethereal timbre. When combined on “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” their voices blend with a natural ease that is both intimate and uplifting. Mature listeners, particularly those familiar with these artists’ storied careers, will deeply appreciate how effortlessly each singer complements the others, resulting in rich harmonies that feel simultaneously timeless and comforting.

The song’s poignant lyrics, centered on unconditional love and emotional devotion, gain new meaning through the trio’s authentic, heartfelt delivery. Lines such as “To know, know, know him, is to love, love, love him,” though simple in structure, acquire a moving depth when conveyed by such emotionally nuanced performances. This rendition beautifully captures the tender essence of deep affection, highlighting the vulnerability and genuine warmth inherent in truly knowing and loving someone deeply.

Critically celebrated upon release, the trio’s version topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, introducing the classic tune to a new generation of listeners. Decades later, it still stands as a remarkable testament to the collaborative power of friendship and mutual admiration among three remarkable artists. Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris famously shared an enduring friendship beyond their music, something audible in every note and harmony they crafted together.

Ultimately, “To Know Him Is to Love Him” remains a treasured highlight of their Trio project, cherished by fans who appreciate timeless melodies rendered with authentic emotion and unmatched vocal harmony. Through their extraordinary partnership, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris gifted audiences a recording of enduring emotional resonance—an unforgettable tribute to love’s gentle yet powerful nature.Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt on 'Tonight Show'

Video 

Lyrics: To Know Him Is to Love Him

To know know know him
Is to love love love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know know know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

I’ll be good to him
I’ll bring love to him
Everyone says there’ll come a day
When I’ll walk alongside of him
Yes just to know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

Why can’t he see
How blind can he be
Someday he will see
That he was meant for me

To know know know him
Is to love love love him
Just to see him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know know know him
Is to love love love him
And I do

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In 1956, America could not look away. Elvis was everywhere. His records topped the charts, his appearances on television drew astonishing audiences, and teenagers waited for hours outside hotels hoping for a single glimpse. The frenzy became so overwhelming that police escorts were often needed just to move him through crowds. Colonel Tom Parker carefully built the image of a superstar, but behind every headline was still a young man who had only recently been driving a truck for Crown Electric in Memphis. Friends later recalled that Elvis often seemed surprised by his own success, as if he was still trying to catch up with the life that had suddenly overtaken him.

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