On the week the world is mourning the loss of music icon Dolly Parton it feels timely to take a look at some of her most popular songs and see what might work as a wedding reading for your upcoming nuptials. While we absolutely adore I Will always Love You and Jolene, they are for obvious reasons lyrically not quite right for a wedding reading. Her break out 1974 hit Love is Like a Butterfly, however is actually so beautiful and simple and sings so sweetly of the innocence of love and timeless romance, we think it's a lovely one to consider.

Added to this, this song is a fitting tribute and a wonderful reminder of all things Dolly, being so heavily woven into her identity as a singer and personality. The butterfly logo is not only a symbol of Dollywood (her theme park), it was also used as the opening theme for her 1976–77 TV variety show 'Dolly!'

Written and recorded by Dolly, the song was released in August 1974 as the first single and title track from the album Love Is Like a Butterfly. It was her overall fourth number one on the country chart as a solo artist (and her third consecutive number one). A version of the song was also used as the theme to 1978–83 BBC iconic sitcom 'Butterflies'.

The words are below, and we have also included a printable that can be downloaded here.

Love is Like a Butterfly

[Chorus]
Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings
Love makes your heart feel strange inside, it flutters like soft wings in flight
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing

[Verse 1]
I feel it when you're with me, it happens when you kiss me
That rare and gentle feeling that I feel inside
Your touch is soft and gentle, your kiss is warm and tender
Whenever I am with you I think of butterflies

[Chorus]
Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings
Love makes your heart feel strange inside, it flutters like soft wings in flight
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing

[Verse 2]
Your laughter brings me sunshine, every day is springtime
And I am only happy when you are by my side
How precious is this love we share, how very precious, sweet and rare
Together we belong like daffodils and butterflies

[Chorus]
Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings
Love makes your heart feel strange inside, it flutters like soft wings in flight
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing

On the hunt for a ceremony reading and like the idea of song lyrics? Take a look at our piece on 12 Sweet Wedding Ceremony Readings from Songs. You can also read all our ideas for weddings readings in the one place here