Dolly Parton has released a touching new song as a tribute to her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died on Monday (March 3).
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly six decades, died Monday at the age of 82 and she has released a new song in his honor. Dolly’s team announced his passing in a post to social media and shared that he would be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by immediate family.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” Dolly wrote at the time.
She issued an additional statement on Friday to thank fans for their love and support, saying, “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.”
Carl Dean was notoriously private throughout his wife’s very public career. But Dolly spoke about him and their special relationship many times over the years. It was clear that the two adored each other and figured out how to make a marriage work in an industry where few do.
Dolly released a new single as a tribute to her late husband, Carl.
Late Thursday, Dolly announced that she had released a new single, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” and dedicated it to Carl.
“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.” she captioned a photo of her and Carl.
Dolly teased the song in late January, telling American Songwriter that “If You Hadn’t Been There” is a new song that will be featured in the upcoming stage adaptation of her life. “Dolly: An Original Musical” will premiere at Nashville’s Fisher Center on the Belmont University campus this summer, and will feature the song along with other new tracks and many of Dolly’s classics.
The singer told the outlet that “If You Hadn’t Been There” is a theme song of her life.
“‘I Wouldn’t Be Here If You Hadn’t Been There’ kind of talks about all the people that have been in my life, but it’s also a reference to God as well,” she said. “It’s all the things that it takes to make … It’s like, ‘I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t been there.’ That will kind of end the show. It’s a theme that runs through. I’m real proud of that.”
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean said “I do” in a private ceremony in 1966.
Two years after meeting outside of the Wishy Washy laundromat in Nashville, Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a small Georgia church. The couple left Tennessee for their nuptials in order to keep it private after Dolly’s management told her getting married wouldn’t be good for her career.
With only Dolly’s mom, the preacher, and the preacher’s mom as witnesses, Carl and Dolly wed before returning to Nashville and going back to work the following day.
Dolly protected Carl and his desire to live a private life while she became one of the most recognizable stars in the world. In 2022, Dolly retired from touring to stay close to home and be close to her husband.