Dolly Parton is paying tribute to her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, with a deeply personal song following his passing on March 4 at the age of 82. The couple, who shared nearly six decades together, first met when Parton was just 18 and newly arrived in Nashville. To honor his memory, the country music icon released a touching new track, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” on Instagram on March 7.
Reflecting on their love story, Parton shared an emotional message with her fans: “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song.”
The song’s lyrics capture the immense impact Dean had on her life, expressing gratitude for his love and unwavering support:
“If you hadn’t been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief. You made me dream / More than I dared, / And I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there.”
Alongside the song, Parton shared a sentimental photo of herself embracing Dean in their younger years, adding to the emotional weight of her tribute.
Though Dean lived a private life, he played a significant role in inspiring Parton’s music. He was famously the subject of her hit song “Jolene”—a playful take on a real-life situation involving a bank teller who had a crush on him.
Parton once joked, “He just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. I was like, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’”
Now 79, Parton is leaning on the love and support of her fans while navigating this loss.
In a message of gratitude, she wrote, “This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers you’ve sent to pay your respects.
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.”
Although Dean is no longer physically present, Parton’s music ensures that his memory and their love story will live on forever.
