Dolly Parton has honored the memory of her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, with the release of a touching new song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There.” The legendary country music icon shared the heartfelt tribute on Instagram this past Friday, dedicating the song to Dean, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 82.
In her post, Dolly reflected on the 60 years she spent with her beloved husband. “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” Parton wrote. “We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
The song, which captures the deep emotion of their long-lasting bond, features Dolly’s signature voice trembling with love and loss as she sings the lyrics: “If you hadn’t been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief.” The song continues with lines like, “You made me dream / More than I dared,” showcasing the powerful impact Carl had on her life.
The cover art for the track includes a cherished photo of Dolly holding Carl close, a symbol of their decades-long relationship that remained largely private, with Carl rarely seen in the public eye. Their marriage, which lasted for 59 years, was filled with mutual respect, love, and unwavering support.
Dolly also took to Instagram on Thursday to express her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans after Carl’s death. “This is a love note to family, friends, and fans,” she shared. “Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl. I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
The couple first met when Dolly arrived in Nashville at 18 years old, finding Carl outside a laundromat. Dolly once recalled how, unlike many others, he looked at her face when they spoke, genuinely interested in who she was. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” she said. “He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”
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