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Dolly Parton has released a touching new single called “If You Hadn’t Been There” to honor her husband, Carl Dean, who recently passed away at 82. The song celebrates their almost 60 years of marriage and shows the deep love they shared.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram announcing the song’s release, Parton expressed Dean’s profound impact on her life. “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 wrote.
Carl Dean and Dolly Parton met when she moved to Nashville at 18, an encounter that would change their lives forever. Parton fondly remembered their initial meeting outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat, recalling how surprised she was to find someone genuinely interested in getting to know her. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” she recounted in a 2016 interview, highlighting the special bond that would grow between them.
The couple married just two years later, on May 30, 1966, in Georgia, and remained devoted to each other throughout their lives. Dean, a businessman known for his Nashville asphalt company, often made discreet appearances in Parton’s life, choosing to live outside the limelight. Nonetheless, his influence was evident, inspiring many of Parton’s songs and stories.
As Parton shared the news of Dean’s passing, she expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support she received from family, friends, and fans during this tough time. “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 for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” she stated. “I can’t reach out personally to each of you, but just know it has meant the world to me.”
Dolly Parton found comfort in her faith after Dean’s passing, knowing he was now resting in God’s arms. She expressed the eternal nature of their love by referencing her famous song, “I Will Always Love You,” highlighting the enduring impact of their relationship.
“He is in God’s arms now, and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” she added in her statement. Parton also shared that Dean would be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by immediate family, ensuring an intimate farewell for the man who played such a central role in her life.
As fans, friends, and family remember Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s new song serves as a powerful reminder of their love story—a tale that has inspired countless others and will continue to resonate for years to come. In their nearly 60 years together, the couple created a legacy of love that will undoubtedly live on in memory and music. “If You Hadn’t Been There” is not just a tribute; it is a celebration of a remarkable life shared between two souls deeply intertwined.
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