DOLLY Parton has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband Carl Dean with her first new single in two years.
The country singer, 79, confirmed on Monday that her husband Carl Dean had sadly died at the age of 82.
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Dolly has now crooned about their “ups and downs” in a moving new song – If You Hadn’t Been There – where she thanked him for always being by her side and loving her deeply.
“Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end,” she announced on social media alongside her new song.
“They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him,” she concluded.
The song, which has a sentimental yet uplifting tune, is positive despite the melancholic time that it has been unveiled.
Read More about Dolly Parton
“If you hadn’t been there, where would I be? Without your trust, love and belief,” Dolly croons at the start of the touching track.
She then sings: “The ups and downs we’ve always shared, and I wouldn’t be here, if you hadn’t been there.”
Fans have already reacted to Dolly’s new song, which is her first single since World on Fire in May 2023 from her rock album, Rockstar.
“We are all so sorry for your loss Dolly. Your relationship was an example for us all,” penned one fan on X.
Another added: “Gorgeous song that says so much about the two of you. My deepest sympathies Dolly. You were blessed.”
FANS REACT TO NEW SONG
A third person then penned: “I love this. True love is so rare and you two had it….So inspirational. May the memories carry you in the coming days. Hugs and may his memory be eternal.”
While a fourth said: “What a beautiful love that you shared and that you continue to share with us. Thank You Dolly and blessings.”
Dolly and her late husband Carl were together for almost 60 years.
The couple kept their relationship out of the spotlight, and often spoke fondly of one another whenever they got the chance
When the news of his passing was revealed earlier this week, Dolly said in a statement: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together.
If You Hadn’t Been There by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton released If You Hadn’t Been there on March 7, 2025, just days after her husband died. Here are the lyrics to her new single.
If you hadn’t been there
Where would I be?
Without your trust
Love and belief
The up’s and down’s
We’ve always shared
And I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
If you hadn’t been there
Well, who would I be?
You always see the best in me
You’re loving arms have cradled me
You held me close, and I believe
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
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
Pushing me on
When I was scared
I found God and you (And 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
I wouldn’t be here
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
Oh I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
“Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.
“Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Dolly did not reveal her husband’s cause of death but had previously been diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease in 2019.
DOLLY’S LOVE NOTE
In the wake of her late husband’s death, Dolly has been flooded with love and support from her fans.
Repaying her fans for their sweet messages of condolence, Dolly shared a “love note” on social media this week.
“This is a love note to family, friends and fans,” she penned.
“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.”
Referencing one of her best-known songs, Dolly signed off: “I will always love you.”
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Content shared from www.the-sun.com.