Throughout her career in country music, Dolly Parton seemed made for the spotlight. Completely dazzling on the stage and even the silver screen, the country icon appeared to be an unstoppable force. While most singers are content with just working in music, Dolly used the genre as a launching pad into other ventures like dinner theaters and even a theme park. But outside of fame, she also harbored a love for her husband, Carl Dean. Unlike Dolly, Dean didn’t care much for the spotlight and decided to support his wife from behind the scenes. But with Dean passing away, Dolly recently explained how she leaned on her faith to help her through the rough time.
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With Dolly and Dean married for nearly six decades, the idea of them not having each other in their lives seemed foreign. But with Dean passing away, Dolly found comfort in knowing she would see him once again. “I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday. And I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together. You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans – but that’s the hardest part. I really feel his presence.”
Dolly Parton Remembers Carl Dean With “If You Hadn’t Been There”
While Dean struggled with health issues over the last few years, Dolly knew he was no longer in pain. But at the same time, she continued to miss his company. “I just try to go on, because I know I have to. And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”
Not wanting to forget about Dean or stop expanding her career, Dolly decided to push forward, taking his spirit with her each step of the way. “So when I did lose him, I just thought, well, I’m going to take all of that energy, and I’m just going to put that back into other things, and I’ll keep him ever-present in everything that I do.”
Wanting to honor his support, love, and dedication to her and her career, Dolly paid a heartfelt tribute to Dean with “If You Hadn’t Been There.”
Struggling to get through the lyrics, fans flooded the comments with love and support. “You can really feel her sadness and the longing in her voice. I am truly sorry for your loss.” One person added, “Dolly is one of the only people to make it through an entire career without a hint of a scandal. She and her husband were truly in love; that’s something we should all hope to have someday. Bless her heart.”
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
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