Dolly Parton has shared something deeply personal with the world—an emotional tribute that speaks to love, loss, and memory. Fans were left in tears after hearing the heartfelt dedication to the man who stood by her side for decades.
Parton announced the tribute on Instagram, posting a nostalgic photo of herself and Dean from their younger years. Alongside the image, she shared a touching message. “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.”
The post featured Parton’s emotional rendition of the song, moving many fans to tears. The comments section quickly filled with messages of support and admiration.“Awww Dolly, I cried. Such a great man. My boss was friends with Carl. What a gracious man he was. 🙏💔,” one fan shared.
Someone else commented, “Dolly, I am sobbing at the dinner table 🥹. What a beautiful, soul-baring tribute to a man who shared you in all your joy, humor, and light with all of us. You and Carl are so so loved🤍.”
The song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” carries a sentimental yet uplifting tone. Despite the sorrowful occasion, its melody remains hopeful.
“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,” Parton sings.
Dean, known for his private nature, was married to Parton for nearly six decades. His passing marked the end of a long and enduring love story.
The renowned singer first shared the news of her husband’s passing on March 3, 2025, via social media. The couple was married for nearly 60 years and did not have children together.
In a March 6, 2025, Instagram post, Parton thanked family, friends, and fans for their support and shared that she had found peace in her faith, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
Parton’s tribute came after the reveal of Dean’s funeral arrangements, marking another step in honoring his memory. According to information shared with the Associated Press by her publicist, Carl will be honored in a private funeral service attended solely by his immediate family.
Dolly Parton attends “Dolly: An Original Musical” fireside chat and press conference on January 28, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Parton herself offered a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound grief that comes with losing her husband of almost 60 years. “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,” the country legend shared.
While the family has not disclosed further details regarding the location or specifics of the ceremony, the desire for privacy aligns with Dean’s well-known aversion to public attention.
As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes in a private ceremony, Parton’s sister, Stella, took to X on March 4, 2025, to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support from the public. “On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl’s family, we appreciate your prayers at this time,” she penned.
Dolly and Stella Parton at the premiere of “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” in Hollywood, California on December 2, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Details surrounding his funeral and the message shared by Parton’s sister follow initial reports about the death of the man who captured the “9 to 5” singer’s heart. Dean is survived by Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
The family, who has not shared Dean’s cause of death, has requested privacy during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of a man who remained a steadfast presence in Parton’s life since their wedding in 1966.
Parton crossed paths with Dean on her very first day in town, two years before they tied the knot. She had just arrived in Nashville to stay with her Uncle Bill, who had moved there two weeks earlier.
While helping out by babysitting his son, she took a trip to a local laundromat, the Wishy‐Washy, to clean the clothes she had brought with her. As she walked down the street, taking in her new surroundings, a man called out to her.
Coming from a small town, she was used to greeting everyone, so she waved back. That man turned out to be Dean. The singer was 18 when they met, and Dean was 21. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about,” noted Parton.
Although they had a friendly exchange, Parton initially refused to go out with him, sticking to the lessons she had been taught about safety. Instead, she invited him to visit her uncle’s house while she babysat. He took her up on the offer and came by every day that week, spending time with her on the porch. She didn’t even allow him inside the house.
Eventually, when her aunt had a day off and could watch the baby, she finally agreed to go somewhere with Dean. “He drove me straight to his folks’ house and introduced me to his mother and daddy. Cause he said he knew right the minute he saw me that that’s the one he wanted,” Parton gushed.
They got married on Memorial Day 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia, when Parton was 20 and Dean was 23. The small and private ceremony was attended by Parton’s mother, Avie Lee, the preacher of the ceremony, and his wife.
Over the years, Parton has spoken about her marriage to Dean, including how it lasted decades. She credited the success of her long-lasting marriage to the differences between them, noting that their opposite personalities kept things exciting.
Parton described Dean as a loner, a trait that made their marriage work despite her demanding career. Their home was always bustling, with five of her younger siblings living with them, creating an atmosphere she likened to a busy depot.
Given his loner trait, Dean didn’t mind when she traveled for work, especially since she often took most of the kids with her. Their arrangement suited them both as she thrived on being on the move, and he appreciated the space. The time apart only added to the excitement whenever they reunited.
Furthermore, due to his love for privacy, people speculated that Parton’s husband was imaginary. She addressed this long-standing speculation, attributing the rumors to his deliberate avoidance of the spotlight.
She explained that Dean preferred a quiet, private life and had no interest in public attention. According to her, he knew that stepping into the public eye would mean sacrificing his peace, and he had no desire for that kind of scrutiny.
“I’ve always respected and appreciated that in him and I’ve always tried to keep him out of the limelight as much as I can. He said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.’ And we do and we have,” Parton explained.
The “Let It Be” crooner also described Dean as a kind and dependable man who constantly surprised her, making their relationship both fun and enduring. “He’s a deep person, but he has a great and warped sense of humor. He makes me laugh and entertains me. He’s very secure within himself,” shared Parton.
The “Wildflowers” singer also divulged what she and Dean loved to do for fun. The pair enjoyed simple pleasures together, often taking short trips in their RV where they could relax and unwind. Parton loved reading, cooking, and spending quiet time with her husband, embracing a laid-back routine.
While Dean preferred staying close to home, appreciating his independence, Parton was the opposite as she was always eager to explore and stay busy. Their differences, she noted, balanced their relationship and contributed to its lasting strength.