If You Hadn't Been There

Last updated
"If You Hadn't Been There"
Dolly Parton - If You Hadn't Been There.png
Single by Dolly Parton
ReleasedMarch 6, 2025
Genre Country
Length3:29
Label Butterfly Records
Songwriter(s) Dolly Parton
Producer(s) Kent Wells, Gregg Perry
Official audio
"If You Hadn't Been There" on YouTube

"If You Hadn't Been There" is a song by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, released on March 6, 2025. The song was released as a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, who had died earlier that week at the age of 82.

Contents

The song reflects on the profound impact Dean had on Parton's life and career, expressing gratitude for his unwavering support and love throughout their marriage. Despite Parton's fame, Dean chose to remain out of the public eye, leading a private life away from the spotlight.

Background

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..

– Dolly Parton on the meaning behind the song,via social media accounts. [1]

After her husband of nearly sixty years, Carl Dean, died on March 3, 2025, [2] Parton wrote and released the song to honor his memory. [3]

Parton revealed the name of the song through her Instagram profile, along with an old photo of the couple, displaying the singer on her late husband's back. [4]

Chart performance

In the United Kingdom, "If You Hadn't Been There" debuted at number 21 on both the UK Singles Downloads and UK Singles Sales charts, respectively, on March 14, 2025. [5]

References

  1. ↑ Duran, Anagricel (March 7, 2025). "Dolly Parton shares poignant new single 'If You Hadn't Been There' – just days after husband's death: "I dedicate this song to him"". NME . Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  2. ↑ Madarang, Charisma (March 3, 2025). "Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's Husband of Nearly 60 Years, Dead at 82" . Rolling Stone . Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  3. ↑ Blistein, Jon (March 7, 2025). "Dolly Parton Dedicates New Song 'If You Hadn't Been There' to Carl Dean" . Rolling Stone . Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  4. ↑ Longmire, Becca (March 7, 2025). "Dolly Parton Releases Emotional New Song 'If You Hadn't Been There' in Memory of Late Husband Carl Dean". People . Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Dolly Parton - If You Hadn't Been There". Official Charts. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
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