Introduction:
Behind the Harmony: Dolly Parton and Barry Gibb’s Near-Lawsuit Over ‘Islands in the Stream’
NASHVILLE, TN — It’s one of the happiest duets in music history, but the chart-topping 1983 hit “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers was nearly torn apart by a behind-the-scenes legal battle.
While the song cemented a legendary friendship, tensions quietly rose between Parton and its songwriter, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, over ownership and licensing control.
Control Over Her Voice
Parton, a famously shrewd businesswoman who fiercely owns her artistic rights (including “I Will Always Love You”), became alarmed as “Islands in the Stream” began appearing in European compilations and commercial uses without her team’s explicit approval.
As the song’s popularity exploded, generating massive royalties, the focus shifted to the publishing rights, which were controlled by Gibb Brothers Music. While Parton and Rogers were paid as performers, Parton felt her unique voice—part of the master recording—was being exploited.
Sources close to the star at the time described her as “furious” not over money, but over respect and losing control over her artistic image.
The Lawsuit That Never Was
Parton’s team reportedly drafted legal documents and sent increasingly sharp warnings to Gibb’s publishing office, hinting at a potential lawsuit over “misuse” and “violation” of performance rights.
Barry Gibb, who was reportedly unaware of the licensing issues being managed by his publishing division, was described as shocked and hurt. To avoid a devastating public courtroom battle between two music titans, a private conversation took place.
Though no papers were ever officially filed, the threat was real, forcing the music industry to re-examine how artists, particularly vocalists, protect their rights.
Decades later, the two stars reconciled, acknowledging the song’s legacy was bigger than the business dispute. However, the near-lawsuit stands as a powerful reminder of Dolly Parton’s unyielding commitment to owning her art and demanding respect in an industry often controlled by songwriters and publishers.