Dolly Parton commemorates her late husband Carl Dean with the release of a poignant new song, reflecting on their 60-year love story
Dolly Parton Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Husband with New Song
Dolly Parton Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Husband with New Song
Iconic Country Star Releases Emotional Track “If You Hadn't Been There” in Memory of Carl Thomas Dean
Dolly Parton has shared a touching tribute to her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 82. The beloved country music icon unveiled a new song titled "If You Hadn't Been There," making the announcement on Instagram. In her post, Parton reminisced about falling in love with Dean when she was just 18, stating, “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 intimate track features heartfelt lyrics, with Parton softly singing, "If you hadn't been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief." As she recounts how Dean inspired her, she expresses, "You made me dream / More than I dared." Accompanying the song is a cover that showcases a treasured old photograph of Parton embracing Dean, highlighting their close bond.
Parton took a moment to thank her fans for their outpouring of support following her husband's passing. In her Instagram message, she conveyed, "This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. 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 country legend, known for her hits including "9 to 5" and "Jolene," recalled meeting Dean on her first day in Nashville outside a laundromat, where she felt an immediate connection. "I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me)," she reminisced. Two years later, the couple wed secretly, leading a private life without children and rarely appearing in public together.
The intimate track features heartfelt lyrics, with Parton softly singing, "If you hadn't been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief." As she recounts how Dean inspired her, she expresses, "You made me dream / More than I dared." Accompanying the song is a cover that showcases a treasured old photograph of Parton embracing Dean, highlighting their close bond.
Parton took a moment to thank her fans for their outpouring of support following her husband's passing. In her Instagram message, she conveyed, "This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. 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 country legend, known for her hits including "9 to 5" and "Jolene," recalled meeting Dean on her first day in Nashville outside a laundromat, where she felt an immediate connection. "I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me)," she reminisced. Two years later, the couple wed secretly, leading a private life without children and rarely appearing in public together.
