Country music legend Dolly Parton has shared a deeply emotional update following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, whom she was married to for 59 years.
Parton, 79, confirmed Dean’s passing in March 2025 at the age of 82. Since then, the beloved singer has made the difficult decision to put her recording career on pause, revealing she’s not emotionally ready to return to the studio.
Speaking on the “Khloe in Wonder Land” podcast with Khloe Kardashian, Dolly said:
“I can’t do it right now ‘cause I got so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, of getting emotional right now. I’m stalled.”
Despite her creative pause, Dolly remains open to writing in the future:
“I’ll write something else, though, if it comes. I’m just putting that all on hold.”
A Tribute Through Song: If You Hadn’t Been There
In the wake of Dean’s death, Dolly released a heartfelt ballad titled “If You Hadn’t Been There”, which she described as a tribute to the man who stood by her side for nearly six decades.
The single opens with delicate piano and steel guitar as Dolly reflects on Dean’s unwavering love:
“If you hadn’t been there / Where would I be?”
She continues to honor his faith, trust, and love, recalling how his “loving arms” cradled her and saw the best in her—even through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
On Instagram, Dolly shared the single’s artwork—an old photo of the couple, with her arms wrapped lovingly around Carl—and wrote:
“Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end. They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”
Fans and Loved Ones Show Support
Parton also posted a message of gratitude to her fans, family, and friends who reached out during her time of grief:
“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… He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that.”
Dolly and Carl: A Lasting Love
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married in 1966, and despite Carl’s famously private lifestyle—rarely making public appearances—the couple’s love endured for nearly six decades.
While Dolly Parton may be stepping back from music temporarily, her strength, vulnerability, and artistic tribute to Carl continue to resonate with fans around the world.
