- Singer Dolly Parton released a song on 7 March for her late husband
- Parton’s husband Carl Thomas Dean died on March 3
- Her new song is called If You Hadn’t Been There and is dedicated to Dean
Country music legend Dolly Parton has released a new song under sad circumstances. The world was shocked on 3 March when Parton’s husband of almost six decades Carl Thomas Dean died at age 82. Dean and Parton had been married since 1966. On Instagram, a heartbroken Parton released a statement about her late husband.
The relationship of Carl Dean and Parton
She said: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and empathy.”
The couple met in a laundromat when Parton was 18. They married when she was 20 in 1966, and the rest is history.
Read More: Dolly Parton releases new song for late husband
To honor her husband, Parton released an emotional song on 7 March called If You Hadn’t Been There. The song is a slow and soulful ballad that Parton dedicated to her late husband. In the song, she details how Dean helped her throughout her life, reflecting on “who would [she] be” without him. The single cover for the song is an old photo of a young Parton and Dean with him giving her a piggyback.
The internet had their opinions on the new song, which is just one of many that Parton has dedicated to her husband. Her hit song Jolene was also inspired by Dean. Read on to see all the reactions.
How did the internet react to Dolly Parton’s new song?
The reactions to Parton’s song for Dean were overwhelmingly positive. Many users on X praised the singer for her tribute to her husband and the genuineness of the song.
Praise and prayers for Dolly Parton
One user wrote: “Such a heartfelt tribute. Dolly’s music always touches the soul.”
Such a heartfelt tribute. Dolly's music always touches the soul.
— A A M I R 🌸 (@AmirMushtaq_786) March 7, 2025
Parton has been making music since the 1950s. Her first single called Puppy Love was recorded in 1957 and released two years later.
Meanwhile, other users were more worried about the impact her husband’s death may’ve had on her. A user who was concerned about the singer said, “I hope she’s doing okay. can’t be easy losing your partner of 60 years.”
I hope she's doing okay. can't be easy losing your partner of 60 years
— Estelle (@taevane_olend) March 7, 2025
In response to the song release, one user labeled Parton a “national treasure”. Honestly, we are inclined to agree. She must be protected at all costs!
Dolly Parton is a national treasure 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/29l4ek8pMd
— 𝕏ena J.Gill (@JaiShreeRam90) March 7, 2025
Surprise at Parton making music
Some social media users were surprised that the 9 to 5 singer was still making music. “Wow, she’s still making music. She loves what she does,” one user commented.
Wow she’s still making music ❤️ she loves what she does
— SYRUP (@PCakeSyrDrizzle) March 7, 2025
In reaction to the song’s release, a user declared “We will be streaming absolutely!!” Who won’t be?
aw we will be streaming absolutely !!
— ً (@COWBOYREQUIEM) March 7, 2025
Respecting Carl Dean
Other users were more focused on the song’s subject, Parton’s late husband, and wished him well. One account expressed their condolences and said, “May his soul rest in peace.”
May his soul rest in peace
— ACHIMUGU🇳🇬 (@emmanuelben359) March 7, 2025
Condolences and well wishes
Other fans sent love to the singer who shared the song on her social media pages. Heartbreakingly one user shared their relation to the song over losing his wife to Alzheimer’s Disease. They called the song “so simple” and “so profound”.
I am losing my wife to Alzheimer's ,,, I listened and I cried like a baby. This song is so simple and yet so profound.
— Tomisadog (@Tomisadawg) March 7, 2025
At the same time, other users sent prayers and messages of comfort to the singer, who is a dedicated Christian.
To Parton’s X account, a user responded: “Condolences to you from the depths of the heart Dolly… I pray the Lord comforts and brings you tender remembrances in the days & moments to come so that you know His immediate presence and attention upon you.”
Condolences to you from the depths of the heary Dolly… I pray the Lord comforts an brings you tender remembrances in the days & moments to come so that you know His immediate presence and attention upon you.
— Tallulah~River (@Tallulah_River) March 7, 2025
Other users echoed similar sentiments.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband, Dolly. Sending my love to you.
— ❤️🩹 Kate (@theantiherokate) March 7, 2025
The internet continued to wish the singer well and praised her ability to release a song less than a week after her husband passed.
