Dolly Parton’s love story is one for the ages, and she honored her husband of nearly 60 years in the way only she can—with a song.
Over the course of her career, Dolly has written hundreds of songs, but this one has a special meaning after the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Carl passed away on March 3 at the age of 82. A few days later, Dolly shared “If You Hadn’t Been There” with her fans. It’s unclear when the song was recorded, but it is filled with emotion.
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Shortly after thanking fans for their love and support, Dolly posted a clip of the song on Instagram and wrote, “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.” She paired the post with a photo of her hugging Carl around the neck.
The lyrics share Dolly’s feelings for her beloved husband, who led a very private life during their decades of marriage. She sings the beautiful lyrics:
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.
If you hadn’t been there
Who would I be?
You’ve always seen the best of me
Your loving arms have cradled me
You held me close
And I believed.
I wouldn’t be here
If you hand’t been there
Holding my hand
Showing you care
You made me dream
More than a highway
And I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
You are my rock
A soft place to land
My wings, my confidence, you understand
Your willingness beyond compare
Knew I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t been there.
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
Pushing me on
When I was scared
I thank God and you 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 if you hadn’t been there.
At times, Dolly’s iconic voice soars, and at other points in the song it wavers to almost a whisper. We can’t imagine a more beautiful tribute.
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