Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at 82. They were married for 58 years. In a touching tribute, Dolly released a song titled *“If You Hadn’t Been There”*, honoring their nearly six-decade love story. She shared, *“We met when I was 18, and he’s been my rock ever since.”*
On Instagram, Dolly, now 79, thanked fans for their support, saying, *“Your kindness means the world as I remember my beloved Carl.”* The couple met at a Nashville laundromat and spent their life together mostly out of the public eye.
Dolly’s heartfelt tribute reflects the deep bond they shared. The song expresses her gratitude for Carl’s constant love and support. She wrote, *“I wouldn’t be who I am today without him.”*This isn’t Dolly’s first tribute to a loved one. In 2021, she honored her late uncle, Billy Earl Owens, showing how important family has always been to her.Dolly’s message and music offer a glimpse into her private world, celebrating a lifetime of love and partnership with Carl.