Lenten Campaign 2025
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On March 3, Dolly Parton announced the death of her husband Carl Dean on social media. "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," the "9 to 5" singer wrote. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
A few days later, Parton took to Instagram to dedicate a song in Dean's honor. Titled, "If You Hadn't Been There," the lyrics give thanks to God and speak of the couple's enduring union, which is a rarity, especially in the entertainment business.
"I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old," she wrote. "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."
The powerful tribute speaks of her faith and features lyrics like "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 ...."
Parton and Dean met in 1965 at a laundromat in Nashville when she was 18 and he was 21. They were married shortly thereafter in a ceremony that was only attended by Parton's mother, the preacher, and the preacher's wife.
'I'm going to marry that girl'
Dean notoriously avoided the spotlight. For many years, there were rumors that he didn't really exist and that Parton invented the idea of him to stave off her many eager suitors. The couple rarely appeared together in public and Dean hardly ever gave interviews, but in 2016 he praised Parton on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.
"My first thought was, 'I'm going to marry that girl,'" Dean told Entertainment Tonight about meeting Parton for the first time. "My second thought was, 'Lord, she’s good-looking.' And that was the day my life began. I wouldn't trade the last 50 years for nothing on this Earth."
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Parton followed up her tribute song with a word of thanks for the outpouring of support she has received:
"This is a love note to family, friends, and fans," Parton shared on Instagram. "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."
She added. "He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you."
