At 48, Whitney Houston finally revealed the truth about her connection with Kevin Costner from The Bodyguard. Though she was new to acting and full of doubt, Costner’s faith in her built a powerful bond that blurred the line between fiction and reality. Their chemistry on screen mirrored real emotions off camera — quiet conversations, shared comfort, and unspoken affection. Whitney later admitted that “I Will Always Love You” was her way of saying goodbye to Kevin, the man who believed in her when she needed it most — a love that was real but never meant to last.

Costner, too, took on significant responsibilities in the production of The Bodyguard, not only in his character, the agent Frank Farmer, but as a producer of the film. Cooperatively though, Houston and Costner made even more magic aside from the romantic affiliation between their characters or the sensational efforts they made individually. Out of The Bodyguard, Houston and Costner became lifelong friends and collaborated in the making of one of The Bodyguard’s, and the world’s, biggest hit songs.

Kevin Costner Advised The Use Of ‘I Will Always Love You’ For The Bodyguard

When Houston was confirmed to feature alongside Costner, there was only a matter of finding The Bodyguard’s defining single to match the nonpareil voice of a generation. Production on The Bodyguard sought a soundtrack showstopper, and dozens of songs, including Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” were vetted to no success. However, in a stroke of musical genius, it was Costner himself who brought Dolly Parton’s original country croon “I Will Always Love You” to the attention of his co-star, Houston.

Kevin Costner Knew Whitney Houston Was Perfect For The Bodyguard Casting

Before magic was made in the music, Costner knew Houston would be the perfect candidate for the part of Rachel Marron. In fact, in the forethought of production, Costner was a proponent in casting Houston in the role, even though she was not in the peak of her career at the time and despite dissent for the prospect of them portraying an interracial couple on the big screen. Throughout the years and since The Bodyguard premiered, he has continued to speak highly of the late singer and her part in their shared project.