Dolly Parton Pays Tribute to Late Husband with New Single “If You Hadn’t Been There”
Dolly Parton has shared a new song in honor of her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at 82. Titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” the tender ballad was shared with words from Dolly, expressing the significance of the person and their years together.
On social media, The Iron Butterfly shared the song along with the sentiment: “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.”
The post conjured support from her friends and fellow musicians, including Kacey Musgraves, who responded, “we love you and are holding you, Dolly.”
Sheryl Crow also tapped in, and added, “So sorry Dolly!! RIP Carl.”
Before releasing the single, Dolly’s team announced her husband’s passing, the songstress followed with a personal response 12 hours before “If You Hadn’t Been There,” arrived, writing, “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. 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.”
See Dolly’s posts below and stream “If You Hadn’t Been There.”
