Dolly Parton has a new song out now, in honor of her late husband, Carl Dean. Parton just released "If You Hadn't Been There," which pays tribute to Dean, and his support of Parton and her historic career.
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"If you hadn't been there, well, who would I be?" Parton sings. "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, if you hadn't been there."
"I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old," Parton explains. "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."
How Dolly Parton Is Doing Without Carl Dean
Dean was 82 years old when he passed away. Parton recently offered an update to her fans, only a few days after Dean's death.
"This is a love note to family, friends, and fans," the Grand Ole Opry member writes. "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."
Parton also penned a message to her fans when the news of Dean's passing was announced.
"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," Parton said at the time. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
Parton and Dean began dating when she was just 18 years old, after meeting outside of a laundromat.
"My first thought was 'I'm gonna marry that girl,' " Dean previously told Entertainment Tonight in 2016. "My second thought was, 'Lord she's good lookin.' " And that was the day my life began. I wouldn't trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth."
