Dolly Parton has shared her poignant new single ‘If You Hadn’t Been There’ following the recent passing of her husband Carl Thomas Dean.
The ballad sees Parton sing: “I thank God and you / Oh for your loving care / And for giving me love / With more to spare / You made me climb / And top the stairs / I wouldn’t be here / I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there,” describing the significance her late husband had in her life and his role in helping her become the person she is today.
Parton shared the single’s artwork on her Instagram account. It sees a photo of Dolly hugging her husband when they were younger. The caption of the post read: “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.”
Dean died on Monday (March 3) in Nashville at the age of 82, Parton’s social media accounts confirmed earlier this week. It was reported at the time that he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family.
Yesterday (March 6), the country icon shared her first statement since Dean’s passing on her social media.“Thank you all for 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.”
She continued, touching on his passing: “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
Parton and Dean began dating in 1964, tying the knot two years later. The couple have celebrated over 60 years together, 59 of which have been spent married.
Despite the lengthy relationship, Dean was an elusive figure for the most part as he was rarely seen out in public or in photographs with his wife.