Dolly Parton just shared a new song called “If You Hadn’t Been There” to remember her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away. She told everyone about Carl’s death on March 3rd with a message on social media. She wrote, “Carl and I had so many happy years together. I can’t even explain how much we loved each other for over 60 years. Thank you for your kind words and prayers.”
We don’t know yet why Carl passed away. He was 82 years old and met Dolly way back in 1964, the very first day she came to Nashville from her small hometown in Tennessee to start singing. Dolly once said with a laugh, “I was so happy he looked at my face when we talked—most people didn’t! He really wanted to know who I was.”
Now, Dolly wrote “If You Hadn’t Been There” to celebrate Carl, who was her partner for more than 60 years. In the song, she sings, “If you hadn’t been there, where would I be? Your love and trust helped me so much. We went through good times and tough times together. I wouldn’t be who I am without you.”
She also sings about how Carl was her strength: “You are my rock, a safe place for me to rest. You gave me wings and believed in me. You understood me like no one else. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
Dolly shared a note about the song too. She said, “This song is a thank-you to my family, friends, and fans. I’ve gotten so many sweet messages, cards, and flowers after losing Carl. I can’t write back to everyone, but I want you to know it means everything to me.”
Dolly’s love for Carl helped her write lots of famous songs, like “Jolene,” during her amazing career. This new song is her way of saying goodbye and thank you to the man who stood by her side for so long.
