Dolly Parton has taken to Instagram to honor her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, with the release of a new song titled If You Hadn’t Been There. The country music legend expressed her heartfelt emotions in a tribute to the man she loved since the age of 18. “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” she wrote, reflecting on their sixty 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 features poignant lyrics that showcase their mutual love and respect, such as “If you hadn’t been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief.” The song encapsulates the essence of their relationship, with Parton’s trembling voice delivering a touching performance. The accompanying cover art features a nostalgic photograph of the couple embracing, symbolizing their enduring bond.
Parton also took to social media to express her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she has received following her husband's passing. “This is a love note to family, friends, and fans,” she shared on Instagram. “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.”
Dolly first met Carl Dean outside a laundromat when she arrived in Nashville as a young aspiring singer. Her recollection of their first encounter reveals how much he appreciated her for who she was. “He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about,” she remarked. The couple wed in 1966 and lived a largely private life, rarely appearing in public together, and chose not to have children.
