Dolly Parton Honors Late Husband Carl Dean with Heartfelt Ballad "If You Hadn't Been There"

Dolly Parton is honoring her late husband, Carl Dean, with a heartfelt new song. On March 7, she shared on Instagram that their love story, which began when she was 18 and he was 23, continues to thrive. "They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him," stated Parton, 79, alongside the cover art for her track, "If You Hadn’t Been There." The artwork shows a young Parton with Dean, who wears a white T-shirt while she embraces him.

The emotional ballad features poignant lyrics, including, "I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there." In the second verse, Parton reflects, "If you hadn’t been, well, who would I be? You always see the best of me." Parton revealed Dean’s passing at 82 years old on March 3, requesting privacy for her family during this difficult time.

"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," she expressed on Instagram. "Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy." While the cause of death remains undisclosed, the statement indicated that Dean would be "laid to rest in a private ceremony." He is survived by Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.

On March 6, Parton expressed gratitude to fans for their support while coping with his death. "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," she stated. "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 OK with that. I will always love you."

Parton married Dean in 1966, just two years after their chance meeting outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat on the day she moved to Nashville. Over the years, Parton wrote several songs about Dean, such as "Tomorrow is Forever." Originally released in 1970 for a duet album with Porter Wagoner, she re-recorded it in 2016 for her *Pure & Simple* album, which mainly features love songs.

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