The iconic singer Dolly Parton announced the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, on March 3, via her Instagram account. She shared a photo to inform her fans of the sad news.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” she wrote.
A few days after his passing, Dolly honored Dean in her own special way. She announced a new song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There” via social media, dedicating it to the love of her life.
“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. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
The Jolene singer wrote in the emotional caption accompanying a nostalgic photo with her late husband, leaving her fans heartbroken.
The song itself speaks to the gratitude felt for someone who has always been there with unwavering support, with lyrics like:
“If you hadn’t been there/Where would I be?/Without your trust/Love, and belief/The ups and downs/We’ve always shared/And I wouldn’t be here/If you hadn’t been there.”
The 9 to 5 singer truly poured her heart into this one. Each word of the song reflects the deep affection Dolly holds for Dean after 60 years of togetherness.
Parton and Dean had been together since 1965, though for much of their relationship, Dean preferred to stay out of the limelight and rarely accompanied Parton to public events. However, that did not mean they spent any less time together.
Dean once reportedly shared his first impression of Dolly: “My first thought was, ‘I’m going to marry that girl.’”
In her book Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, the eleven-time Grammy winner also mentioned that “Dean did spontaneous things to surprise her, and sometimes even wrote poems for her.” Now, that’s real-life romance!
Parton’s new song has been met with overwhelming love from fans, friends, and family, and she has expressed her deep gratitude.
“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.” The World on Fire singer ended on a hopeful note, saying, “He is in God’s arms now, and I am okay with that. I will always love you.” she wrote in an Instagram post.
The comments were full of love, support, and admiration for the singer’s true love for her husband.
