Days after announcing that her husband of six decades, Carl Dean, had died at age 82, Nashville legend Dolly Parton has released “If You Hadn’t Been There”, a moving new song written for her late love.
Parton announced her husband’s passing in an Instagram post on Monday. “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 sympathy.” In a subsequent post on Thursday, she added, “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. 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.”
On Friday morning, Dolly Parton posted on Instagram once again to announce the arrival of a new song, “If You Hadn’t Been There”. Along with the single’s cover art—which includes an old photo of the couple and their signatures—Parton shared a few more thoughts on Carl and the song she wrote in his honor. “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. 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.”
Related: Dolly Parton Transforms Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents” For Country Tribute Album [Watch]
Parton’s voice wavers slightly as she sings the song’s stark lyrics, which make no effort to obscure its message with metaphors and symbolism. “If You Hadn’t Been There” is raw, heartbreaking, uplifting, vulnerable—it’s the sound of accepting that even the most beautiful things must eventually come to an end, and a mourning Dolly Parton renders it with vivid emotional detail. [Trigger warning: This song will absolutely make you cry].
Listen to “If You Hadn’t Been There”, the new song by Dolly Parton about her late husband, via the player below and scroll down to read along with the lyrics.
Dolly Parton – “If You Hadn’t Been There”
Dolly Parton – “If You Hadn’t Been There” – Lyrics
(Verse 1)
If you hadn’t been there
Where would I be?
Without your trust
Love and belief
The ups and downs
We’ve always shared
And I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
(Verse 2)
If you hadn’t been you
Well who would I be?
You’ve always seen
The best in me
Your loving arms
Have cradled me
You held me close
And I believe
(1st Chorus)
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
Holding my hand
Showing you care
You made me dream
More than I dared
And I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
(Bridge)
Oh you are my rock
A soft Place to land
My wings, my confidence
You understand
Your willingness
Beyond compare
No I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
(2nd Modulated Chorus)
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
Pushing me on
When I was scared
I thank God and you
Oh for your loving care
And for giving me love
With more to spare
You made me climb
And top the stairs
I wouldn’t be here
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
Oh I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there