The Story Behind “If We Never Meet Again,” the Song Dolly Parton Wanted at Her Funeral

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When Dolly Parton thought about her own funeral, she had thousands of songs to choose from, including some of the most beloved songs she had written herself.

But the song she specifically wanted was one she did not write.

More than a decade before her death on August 25, 2026, Parton revealed that she wanted Albert E. Brumley’s country-gospel standard “If We Never Meet Again” to be sung at her funeral. The reason was deeply personal: the song had been her father’s favorite, and her family had sung it at his funeral.

In a 2014 conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Parton explained her choice, saying, “That was my daddy’s favorite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine.”

The song’s message is simple and poignant. It reflects on the possibility of never seeing someone again in this life while holding on to the hope of meeting them in heaven.

Parton never released a studio recording of “If We Never Meet Again,” although footage exists of her performing the song live.

After her death, interest in the hymn grew again as listeners discovered the piece that meant so much to her and her family.

A Song About Saying Goodbye Without Losing Hope

“If We Never Meet Again” carries the kind of message that feels especially fitting for a farewell.

Its lyrics imagine two people parting in this world while trusting that they will eventually meet again in heaven:

“If we never meet again this side of Heaven,
As we struggle through this world and its

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