Dolly Parton lost her husband, Carl Dean, after nearly 60 years of marriage on March 3 at age 82. The pair shared a lot of love during that time, even though Carl quietly supported his wife from the sidelines.
The songstress shared the news of Carl’s death on Instagram and quietly released a song dedicated to the love of her life on March 7. Dolly called the song If You Hadn’t Been There, and we’re warning you that it’s a tearjerker. The song praises Carl and his devotion to his wife during her career.
The lyrics to If You Hadn’t Been There show just how important he was to her career.
Dolly sings in the chorus, “I wouldn’t be here If you hadn’t been there / Holding my hand / Showing you care / You made me dream / More than I dared / And I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there.”
Dolly Parton’s music and love songs have long resonated with her fans. If You Hand’t Been There is no exception. Though Dolly Parton made no grand announcement about her new song, fans quickly went to YouTube to listen.
Her words spoke to their hearts.
A fan praised Dolly Parton and Carl Dean and their special relationship.
“I love how she’s lived her life: famous, humble, grounded, private and public at the same time, and loyal. She is the example of what we each should aspire to be.”
Another wrote “I’m speechless. That love that commitment to each other and your marriage. Inspiring. So sorry for the loss of your beautiful husband.”
This person thanked Dolly Parton for giving the world a glimpse of her husband through song. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Carl Dean must have been a tremendous man. May his memory be a blessing always. Thank you for sharing such a personal song with the world, Dolly.”
This story’s featured image is by Terry Wyatt/WireImage via Getty.
