Dolly Parton has released a new song in tribute to husband Carl Dean, who died Monday, nearly sixty years after joining in marriage with the country star.
The 10-time Grammy winner, 79, released “If You Hadn’t Been There” on music streaming services Friday, as well as an excerpt on her Instagram.
“I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together,” wrote the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, who wed Dean on Memorial Day 1966. “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 track cover shows a throwback photo of a relatively makeup-free Parton, grinning with her arms around Dean who, much like the late James Dean, dons a white t-shirt and stoic pose with his hand stuffed in his jeans pocket.
“If you hadn’t been there, well who would I be? / You’ve always seen the best in me,” croons Parton. “And I wouldn’t be here, if you hadn’t been there.”
Parton announced Dean’s death in a statement via social media earlier this week and on Thursday addressed a “love note” to supporters, thanking them. He was 82.
