Dolly Parton has broken her silence about the loss of her husband, Carl Dean.
In a post on her Instagram account Friday, just four days after Dean passed away at age 82, Dolly paid tribute to the man she loves. The post shows a picture of the couple when they first fell in love, with “IF YOU HADN’T BEEN THERE” above it and “Dolly + Carl ❤” written at the bottom of the photo. Dolly captioned the post, “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.”
‘If You Hadn’t Been There’
Dolly Posts Song to YouTube in Honor of Husband
Dolly Parton posted the touching song to her YouTube channel Friday.
The heartfelt lyrics read, “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. 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.”
Country and HGTV Stars Comment With Support
Dolly Parton’s post is getting a lot of love, not just from fans, but other country artists and even HGTV stars.
Jenny Marrs from “Fixer to Fabulous” commented, “What a love story. Praying for you. 🤍”
Country singer Lainey Wilson, who recently got engaged, commented, “I love you sister. Lifting you up. Y’all’s love story inspires me and Duck. ❤️”
Country artist Kacey Musgraves commented, “we love you and are holding you, Dolly 🤍”
News anchor Katie Couric wrote, “Oh Dolly. Sending you so much love ❤️”
Khloe Kardashian replied with a series of hearts “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Singer and former Voice contestant Raelynn wrote, “We love you.”
DJ and music producer Diplo commented, “real love”
Singer Sheryl Crow commented, “So sorry Dolly!! RIP Carl 🙏❤️”
And country singer Lauren Alaina wrote, “This is so special. We love you, Dolly. Cameron and I dream to be like you guys.”
Dolly Thanks Family, Friends and Fans
In a separate Instagram post, Dolly reached out to family, friends and fans, thanking them for their love and sympathy.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans,” she wrote on March 6. “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.”
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Dolly Parton’s Touching Tribute to Husband