Dolly Parton Honors Late Husband with Emotional New Song

In a heartfelt message, Parton shared her love and memories of her husband who passed away recently at the age of 82.

Dolly Parton has released a poignant new song titled "If You Hadn't Been There" to honor her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 82. In an emotional Instagram post shared on Friday, Parton reflected on their 60-year long marriage, stating, "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 new track showcases her emotional vocals as she sings lines such as, "If you hadn't been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief." The accompanying artwork features a nostalgic photograph of the couple, with Parton affectionately wrapping her arms around Dean. As fans and supporters reached out to express their condolences, the 79-year-old artist conveyed her appreciation, saying, "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."

Parton reminisced about their first encounter at a laundromat in Nashville when she was just 18, recalling how Dean’s genuine interest in her stood out. "I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me)," she remembered. Married in 1966, the couple kept their relationship mostly private, with Dean rarely making public appearances. They chose not to have children, allowing them to focus solely on their bond throughout their long life together.