Dolly Dedicates New Single to Carl

Single cover. Butterfly (digital single) (2025)

Dolly released a new single on Friday, March 7, 2025. Titled "If You Hadn't Been There", the single is dedicated to Carl Dean, her husband of 58 years who passed away on March 3. The song was written by Dolly and was produced by Kent Wells and Gregg Perry. Perry and Dolly first worked together on her 1977 album, New Harvest...First Gathering. This track marks their first collaboration since 1983's Burlap & Satin. The song will be featured in the upcoming musical about Dolly's life. She first mentioned the song during the January 28, 2025 press conference announcing the initial preview performances for Dolly: An Original Musical. She cited the song as her personal favorite in the musical, describing it as the show's "theme song." She said, "It talks about all the people that have been in my life, but it's also a reference to God as well." Upon the single's release she said, "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."

The touching tribute is available now from all music platforms. Listen in the video below.

"If You Hadn't Been There"

by Dolly Parton
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​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 you, well who would I be?
You've always seen the best in me
Your loving arms have cradled me
You held me close and I believe

I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there
Holding my hand, showing you cared
You made me dream more than I dared
And I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there

Oh, you are my rock, a soft place to land
My wings, my confidence, you understand
Your willingness, beyond compare
No, 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, oh, 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
I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there
Oh, I wouldn't be here if you had been there