Oftentimes, singers and songwriters take inspiration from their own lives to write their music. After all, there is no better way to belt out heartfelt lyrics than if you lived them yourself. That is true even for the biggest stars — I mean look at Taylor Swift. Whether they are drawing inspiration from their struggles or their romantic relationships, relatable is always better. Here are 4 songs that were inspired by Dolly Parton's late husband Carl Dean.
Videos by Wide Open Country
4 Songs Inspired By Carl Dean
Dolly Parton's husband was one of the many inspirations for her music. After spending 58 years with someone, it is no surprise that they would have left a meaningful impact on your life. Here are just 4 of the many songs that were inspired by Carl Dean that you may not know about.
1. Just Because I'm A Woman (1968)
Just two years into their marriage Dolly Parton's husband was inspiring her music. Country Thang Daily shared that the roots of this song stemmed from double standards. They shared that this song was "Inspired by a real conversation with Carl, the song emerged after he expressed concern about her past relationships." Dolly pushed back against the stigma and double standards with powerful lyrics.
Yes, I've made my mistakes
But listen and understand
My mistakes are no worse than yours
Just because I'm a woman
2. Joelene (1973)
This song is constantly stuck in my head, to learn it was based on real-life inspiration makes it even better for me. The song "Joelene" was inspired by a real life jealousy moment — I know hard to believe that Ms. Dolly Parton could ever be jealous of someone else. Apparently there was a beautiful red-haired bank teller that was sweet on Dolly Parton's husband. Despite Carl never giving her anything to worry about, she still used him and this situation as inspiration to write one of her most popular hit songs.
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene
3. Forever Love (2016)
Next on our list of songs inspired by Carl Dean is a romantic medley that celebrates a major milestone for the couple. "Forever Love" celebrates the couple reaching their golden anniversary — 50 years. This touching song really sheds a light on how much love Dolly had in her heart for her husband. The slow melody and loving lyrics are truly beautiful.
Fantasy, romance, story-book feelings
Wrapped as a gift sent from Heaven above
I promise I'll always love you
I'm yours, forever, love
4. If You Hadn't Been There (2025)
From the very beginning of their relationship, to the very end many of Dolly's songs were inspired by Carl Dean. This is the most recent song that the singer dedicated to her late husband. The song was both her way of paying tribute to and saying goodbye to the love of her life. She released the song just days after her husband's passing — sharing her immense pain with all of her fans.
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
