Dolly Parton released an emotional new song that pays tribute to her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, who sadly passed away in Nashville last Monday.
Dean was 82.
The star-crossed lovers first met in 1964, on the day Parton arrived in Nashville at the age of 18. It was love at first sight. They married two years later on May 30, 1966, Memorial Day, in Ringgold, Georgia.
On Friday, the country music icon took to her socials and shared the new single "If You Hadn't Been There" to honor Dean.
She wrote in the caption:
"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."
The 79-year-old continued:
"They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."
A snippet of "If You Hadn’t Been There" was posted on her TikTok page.
The song's opening verse begins with Parton pondering how different her life would be without Dean in it.
“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.”
In the chorus, she sings:
“I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there / Holding my hand / Showing you care / You made me dream / More than I dared / And I wouldn’t be hеre / If you hadn’t been there.”
@dollyparton/Instagram
Here is the full song.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
Fans sent the grieving singer love and light across various social media platforms.
@dollyparton/TikTok
@dollyparton/TikTok
@dollyparton/TikTok
@dollyparton/TikTok
@dollyparton/TikTok
This wasn't the first time Parton performed a song that was inspired by Dean.
She immortalized her affections for him when she was featured in country legend Willie Nelson's 2013 song "From Here to the Moon and Back."
A sample of the lyrics goes:
"From here to the moon and back / Who else in this world will love you like that? / Love everlasting, I promise you that."
Last week, Parton's publicist announced Dean's passing on March 3 and that he will be "laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending."
Dean was survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
Fans continued expressing condolences for the loss of her one and only.
@dollyparton/Instagram
@dollyparton/Instagram
@dollyparton/Instagram
The singer's publicist also relayed her message to fans:
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter