Dolly Parton, the iconic country music legend, has released a deeply emotional new song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” honoring the memory of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82.

The track reflects on the profound love and unwavering support Carl provided throughout their nearly six-decade marriage. Parton shared a heartfelt message alongside the song’s release, stating, “Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end.” She continued, “They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”

The couple’s love story began in 1964 when they met at a laundromat in Nashville. Two years later, they married in a private ceremony. Despite Parton’s immense fame, Carl Dean preferred to maintain a low public profile, rarely appearing alongside his wife at public events.

In the wake of Carl’s passing, Parton expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and friends. She wrote, “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.” Parton added, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”

“If You Hadn’t Been There” serves as a poignant tribute to a love that spanned over 58 years, capturing the essence of a partnership built on trust, devotion, and shared memories.