Dolly Parton’s Final Grammy Win Came From “There Was Jesus,” a Song Born From Faith
Dolly Parton’s musical legacy stretches across country, pop, bluegrass, gospel, rock, film, television, and songwriting. But one of the most meaningful chapters of her award-winning career came through a song centered on faith and the presence of Jesus during difficult moments.
That song was “There Was Jesus,” a collaboration between Parton and Christian recording artist Zach Williams. Released in 2019, the song became a major moment in Williams’ career and ultimately earned a Grammy Award in 2021.
The story behind the collaboration is particularly memorable because Williams initially thought the idea of asking Parton to appear on the song was almost impossible. His wife, Crystal, encouraged him to reach out, even though he had no expectation that one of the most recognizable voices in American music would actually agree.
She did.
And the result became one of the final Grammy-winning recordings of Parton’s extraordinary career. The song won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
A Song About Recognizing Faith in Difficult Times
“There Was Jesus” was written by Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, and Casey Beathard.
At its heart, the song looks back at difficult periods in life and reflects on the idea that Jesus was present even during moments when that presence was not immediately recognized.
Williams has explained that the song came from looking back at earlier experiences in his life and realizing that God had been present through hardships he did not fully understand at the time.
That message became central to the song’s emotional impact.
Rather than presenting faith only as something connected to moments of celebration, “There Was Jesus” focuses on finding meaning and spiritual companionship during uncertainty, struggle, and difficult seasons.
That theme also made the song a natural fit for Parton, whose catalog has included gospel and faith-centered music throughout her career.
Parton had long been known for incorporating spiritual themes into her songwriting and performances. Her Christian faith was an important part of her personal identity, and she recorded numerous gospel songs throughout her decades in music.
Crystal Williams Had an Important Suggestion
According to the story shared by Williams, his wife Crystal was the person who suggested that Dolly Parton should be involved.
Williams apparently did not think the idea was realistic.
Parton was already a global music icon, while Williams was building his own career in contemporary Christian music. Asking her to join a recording could easily have seemed like a long shot.
But Crystal believed Parton was the right person for the song.
Her encouragement eventually convinced Williams to explore the possibility.
The decision turned out to be pivotal.
The collaboration would not only produce a successful recording but also eventually lead to one of the most significant awards of Williams’ career.
Williams Wasn’t Sure Dolly Would Say Yes
One of the most entertaining parts of the story is Williams’ reaction to the suggestion.
The idea of contacting Dolly Parton sounded unrealistic to him.
Parton’s status in the music industry was already legendary. She had spent decades building a career as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist.
For an artist hoping to collaborate with her, getting the opportunity could seem nearly unattainable.
Yet the team decided to send the song her way.
And instead of receiving a polite rejection or no response at all, Williams received something completely different.
Dolly Parton heard the song.
She connected with it.
And the collaboration began to take shape.
Dolly Parton Immediately Connected With the Song
Williams has recalled Parton’s reaction to hearing “There Was Jesus” as remarkably enthusiastic.
According to the story, Parton told him that she had barely made it through the chorus before realizing there was something special about the song.
Her response made a lasting impression on Williams.
For a songwriter and performer, receiving that kind of reaction from an artist with Parton’s experience was understandably significant.
Parton had spent decades listening to songs, writing songs, recording songs, and determining which material fit her voice and artistic identity.
Her decision to participate therefore represented more than simply adding a famous guest vocalist.
It meant that she personally connected with the song’s message.
The Collaboration Became a Reality
Once Parton agreed to participate, the project moved from an unlikely idea to an actual studio recording.
Williams and Parton recorded the song as a duet, with their voices creating a combination of contemporary Christian music and Parton’s unmistakable country-influenced style.
The pairing worked because the song itself crossed musical boundaries.
Williams brought the contemporary Christian foundation, while Parton added decades of experience with country, gospel, folk, and roots music.
The result was a recording that could appeal to listeners across several parts of the American music audience.
The song was released on October 3, 2019, as part of Williams’ album “Rescue Story.”
Why Dolly Parton Was a Natural Fit
Although Parton was one of the biggest names in country music, her connection to gospel music was equally important.
She grew up in a deeply religious family in East Tennessee and regularly spoke about the influence of faith on her life and music.
Throughout her career, she recorded gospel albums and incorporated spiritual material into her broader catalog.
That background helps explain why a contemporary Christian song such as “There Was Jesus” could fit naturally within her artistic history.
Parton’s ability to move between musical styles also made her particularly effective as a collaborator.
She could sing country.
She could sing gospel.
She could perform pop.
She could work with bluegrass musicians.
And later in her career, she even embraced rock music on her 2023 album “Rockstar.”
The collaboration with Williams therefore represented another example of Parton’s ability to cross musical boundaries while remaining recognizable.
“There Was Jesus” Became More Than a Collaboration
The song quickly developed into something bigger than a one-time celebrity collaboration.
“There Was Jesus” became a major Christian music success and eventually reached the top of the Christian Adult Contemporary chart. It was also recognized by several major music organizations.
The recording’s success was significant for Williams, but Parton’s participation gave the song an additional level of visibility.
Her name brought the collaboration to listeners who might not normally follow contemporary Christian music.
At the same time, Williams introduced Parton to another generation of Christian music listeners.
That crossover appeal helped make the song memorable beyond its initial release.
The 2021 Grammy Moment
The biggest milestone came in 2021.
At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, “There Was Jesus” won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
The award was announced during the Premiere Ceremony in March 2021.
For Williams, it represented his second career Grammy win. For Parton, it became another addition to an already extraordinary collection of honors.
The Grammy recognition confirmed that the collaboration had resonated not only with audiences but also with the music industry’s most prestigious awards organization.
The song had started with a suggestion from Williams’ wife.
It ended with a Grammy.
A Particularly Meaningful Award in Dolly’s Career
Parton’s career included numerous Grammy nominations and wins across several decades.
Her achievements extended far beyond one particular genre. She became one of the most influential figures in country music while also developing an enormous catalog of crossover work.
The Grammy for “There Was Jesus” is particularly meaningful because it connected several important parts of her musical identity.
It brought together:
- Country music
- Contemporary Christian music
- Gospel influences
- Songwriting
- Collaboration
- Faith-centered storytelling
The recording also demonstrated that Parton’s voice remained effective in a contemporary musical setting decades after she first entered the national spotlight.
The Song’s Message Remains Simple
One reason “There Was Jesus” has remained memorable is its straightforward message.
The song is built around the idea that people may not always recognize God’s presence while they are going through difficult circumstances.
Only later, when looking back, can they sometimes see moments differently.
That concept is accessible regardless of a listener’s age.
Life contains periods of uncertainty, disappointment, change, and hardship. The song approaches those experiences through a Christian perspective, suggesting that faith can provide comfort and meaning during those moments.
Williams’ personal connection to the message helped give the recording authenticity.
Parton’s voice then added another layer of emotional depth.
Zach Williams’ Career Was Changed by the Collaboration
For Williams, working with Parton was an important milestone.
He had already established himself in Christian music, but “There Was Jesus” gave his career an opportunity to reach a much wider audience.
The Grammy win further strengthened his reputation within the genre.
The song also became one of the defining recordings associated with his name.
His collaboration with Parton showed how a contemporary Christian artist could connect with one of the most recognizable figures in American music without losing the song’s original spiritual focus.
Instead, the two artistic worlds complemented one another.
Dolly’s Voice Added a Distinctive Quality
Parton’s voice has always been immediately recognizable.
Her high, expressive vocal style developed into one of the most identifiable sounds in country and roots music.
On “There Was Jesus,” that distinctive voice helped give the recording a strong emotional character.
The collaboration did not require Parton to completely change her musical identity.
Instead, the song allowed her to bring the qualities listeners already associated with her into a contemporary Christian setting.
That may be one reason the duet feels natural rather than forced.
A Connection Between Country and Christian Music
Country and Christian music have long shared musical and cultural connections.
Both traditions have often emphasized storytelling, family, faith, hardship, hope, and perseverance.
“There Was Jesus” sits comfortably between those traditions.
Williams came from the contemporary Christian side of the industry, while Parton carried decades of experience in country, gospel, bluegrass, and roots music.
The song therefore became a meeting point between two musical audiences.
For longtime Parton fans, it offered another example of her connection to gospel-inspired material.
For Williams’ audience, it provided an opportunity to hear one of country music’s most celebrated voices in a Christian setting.
The Song Arrived at an Important Point in Parton’s Legacy
Parton’s Grammy win for “There Was Jesus” came decades after the beginning of her professional career.
She had already established herself as a songwriter, recording artist, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Yet the collaboration demonstrated that she was still willing to take part in new musical projects.
Her career continued to evolve well beyond the traditional boundaries of country music.
In 2022, Parton was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the following year she released “Rockstar,” another example of her willingness to explore a different musical direction.
Against that broader career story, “There Was Jesus” stands out as one of the projects that connected her contemporary work with her longstanding spiritual roots.
Why the Story Resonates With Fans
There is something especially appealing about the way this collaboration began.
It did not start with a major record-company campaign or an elaborate strategy.
It started with Crystal Williams hearing a song and believing Dolly Parton would connect with it.
Her husband thought the suggestion was unrealistic.
But instead of dismissing the idea, he pursued it.
Parton heard the song and recognized something in it.
The two artists recorded it.
And eventually, they stood among the winners at the Grammy Awards.
That sequence gives the story a sense of genuine discovery.
Sometimes an important musical collaboration begins simply because someone believes two artists belong together.
A Lasting Part of Dolly Parton’s Musical Legacy
Parton’s passing in August 2026 has naturally led to renewed attention on different chapters of her career, including the songs and collaborations that demonstrated her range. Recent tributes have highlighted both her musical achievements and the importance of faith throughout her life and work.
“There Was Jesus” deserves a place in that story.
It was not one of Parton’s biggest commercial country singles, but its importance comes from something different.
The song brought together her faith, her voice, her willingness to collaborate, and her ability to connect with audiences outside the traditional country market.
It also gave Williams one of the defining achievements of his career.
Final Thoughts
The story behind “There Was Jesus” is ultimately a story about taking a chance.
Zach Williams and songwriters Jonathan Smith and Casey Beathard created a song rooted in faith and reflection. Williams’ wife, Crystal, heard its potential and encouraged him to consider Dolly Parton for the collaboration.
Williams reportedly thought the idea was unlikely.
But Parton heard the song.
She connected with its message.
She joined Williams in the studio.
And in 2021, the recording earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
The achievement became an important part of both artists’ stories.
For Williams, it was recognition of a deeply personal song that had grown into a major Christian music success.
For Parton, it added another Grammy to an already remarkable career and highlighted the spiritual side of an artist whose music had always reached far beyond a single genre.
Perhaps most fittingly, the song’s central message is about recognizing meaning in moments that may not make sense at first.
The collaboration itself followed a similar path.
What initially seemed like an impossible idea became a real recording. That recording became a successful song. And that song ultimately became a Grammy-winning piece of Dolly Parton’s musical legacy.