Some collaborations feel inevitable, while others come out of nowhere and leave an unforgettable mark. That’s precisely what happened when Zach Williams and Dolly Parton joined forces for There Was Jesus, a song that blended country and Christian music into something truly powerful.
Released in 2019, the duet became a chart-topping hit, won a Grammy Award, and introduced Williams’ faith-driven music to a broader audience than ever before. But beyond the awards and accolades, this song carries a message of hope, redemption, and faith—one that resonates with listeners from all walks of life.
A Song That Found the Right Voice
Zach Williams originally co-wrote There Was Jesus with Casey Beathard and Jonathan Smith, reflecting on his own journey through struggles and redemption. The lyrics tell the story of someone looking back and realizing that through every difficult moment—every valley, every hardship, every wrong turn—God was always there.
“Every time I tried to make it on my own / Every time I tried to stand and start to fall / All those lonely roads that I have traveled on / There was Jesus.”
When Williams received the demo back from his producer, the female harmony on it immediately reminded him of Dolly Parton. It was a long shot, but Williams and his team reached out to Parton’s management—and to their surprise, she was immediately interested.
“When I heard the song, I thought it was one of the best songs I’d ever heard,” Parton later shared. “I was at that time wanting to do something more uplifting, and I feel like it was a Godsend.”
Parton wasn’t just lending her name to the track—she was fully invested. She spent four hours in a Nashville studio, carefully tracking her vocals, even asking Williams for directions to ensure her part perfectly fit the song.
Williams later recalled how working with Parton felt like catching up with a beloved family member:
For You
“She feels like that aunt you run into at Christmas that has everybody laughing. She’s really down to earth and hasn’t forgotten where she came from.”
A Message That Reached Millions
There Was Jesus quickly topped Christian music charts, but its impact went far beyond that. The song was a crossover success, pulling in country music fans who might not have otherwise discovered Williams’ music.
The song’s momentum was undeniable:
- Won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
- Reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay Chart
- Performed at the CMA Awards, introducing it to an even larger audience
Dolly’s presence on the track certainly helped it reach more ears. Still, Williams himself believes the song’s message is what made it truly special:
“There are a lot of people who wouldn’t have checked out the song had they not seen Dolly’s name. Now they’re getting to hear this message of God turning lives around.”
At its core, There Was Jesus is more than just a successful duet—it’s a testimony, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never alone. Thanks to the powerful voices of Zach Williams and Dolly Parton, that message is still touching hearts today.
Watch the official music video now and let the song remind you that no matter where you’ve been, you never walked alone.
