Dolly Parton has released a sweeping ballad in tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean. The 82-year-old music icon passed away on Monday, and the song “If You Hadn’t Been There” serves as a heartfelt farewell. Written by Parton herself, the ballad is a poignant expression of gratitude for Dean’s enduring presence in her life.
Parton met Dean at a laundromat in Nashville at age 18 and they married two years later, on Memorial Day 1966. The couple maintained a private relationship for decades, with Parton acknowledging that some people believed Carl was just a fictional figure created to shield her from attention.
The song “If You Hadn’t Been There” showcases Parton’s vocal range and emotional delivery, as she reflects on the impact Dean had on her life. With its soaring chorus and poignant lyrics, the ballad is a fitting tribute to a lifelong partner who inspired some of her most beloved songs, including “Jolene.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/dolly-parton-husband-dead-carl-dean-new-song-0a6d1dbc5e8df4c62ccf172ecd3edc92