Dolly Parton moved her fans by releasing a new song in tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean. Titled ‘If You Had Not Been There,’ the track celebrates the memory of her nearly six-decade-long partner, the iconic country singer and actress.
When announcing the song on social media, Parton shared a heartfelt message about her love for Dean: “Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and in music, and I dedicate this to him.”
The single cover features an old photo of the couple, with a young Parton hugging Dean, who is wearing a white T-shirt. A caption on the image reads: Dolly + Carl = ♡.
Mourning and Gratitude
Carl Dean passed away at the age of 84, as announced by Parton on March 4. The family chose to keep the cause of death private and requested respect during this period of mourning. Dean is survived by his wife, Dolly Parton, and her siblings Sandra and Donnie.
The couple had been together for almost 60 years. They met in 1964, outside a laundromat, shortly after Parton moved to Nashville at the age of 18. Two years later, they married in an intimate ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, and renewed their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Although they never had biological children, Parton revealed in a 2002 interview with Hot Press that they raised five of her younger siblings, helping them with their studies and in life.
Beyond Music, a Career in Film
In addition to her massive success in country music, Dolly Parton also built a solid career in film. She starred in several iconic films, including “9 to 5,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Steel Magnolias.” Her charisma and talent made her one of the most beloved personalities in entertainment, both in music and on the big screen.
Photos: Instagram @dollyparton. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
