Parton announced the tribute on Instagram, posting a nostalgic photo of herself and Dean from their younger years. Alongside the image, she shared a touching message. “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.”

The post featured Parton’s emotional rendition of the song, moving many fans to tears. The comments section quickly filled with messages of support and admiration.“Awww Dolly, I cried. Such a great man. My boss was friends with Carl. What a gracious man he was. 🙏💔,” one fan shared.

Someone else commented, “Dolly, I am sobbing at the dinner table 🥹. What a beautiful, soul-baring tribute to a man who shared you in all your joy, humor, and light with all of us. You and Carl are so so loved🤍.”

The song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” carries a sentimental yet uplifting tone. Despite the sorrowful occasion, its melody remains hopeful.

“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,” Parton sings.

Dean, known for his private nature, was married to Parton for nearly six decades. His passing marked the end of a long and enduring love story.

The renowned singer first shared the news of her husband’s passing on March 3, 2025, via social media. The couple was married for nearly 60 years and did not have children together.

In a March 6, 2025, Instagram post, Parton thanked family, friends, and fans for their support and shared that she had found peace in her faith, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”

Parton’s tribute came after the reveal of Dean’s funeral arrangements, marking another step in honoring his memory. According to information shared with the Associated Press by her publicist, Carl will be honored in a private funeral service attended solely by his immediate family.