Dolly Parton has released an emotional ballad honoring her late husband Carl Thomas Dean, who died on Monday at the age of 82.
Parton announced the release of the single “If You Hadn’t Been There” on Friday in an Instagram post.
“I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together,” Parton said. “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.”
The ballad looks back on the love and support Parton received from Dean throughout their nearly six decades of marriage.
“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,” Parton sings in the opening lyrics of the ballad.
“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,” she adds to the second verse.
The release of this song follows an outpouring of love Parton has received over the last week. On Thursday, Parton released a statement on Instagram to express her gratitude.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. 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 said. “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.”
