5 Heartfelt Dolly Parton Songs Inspired by Her Late Husband Carl Dean: ‘Forever Love’ and Beyond

Dolly Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, was known for being incredibly private, but that didn’t stop his superstar wife from celebrating him through her music—and sometimes playfully teasing him, too.

One of her most iconic songs, “Jolene,” was inspired by a quirky incident involving a bank teller who developed a crush on Dean, whom Parton married in 1966. Parton shared the story in a 2008 NPR interview: “She got this terrible crush on my husband,” Parton said. “And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke between us—when I would say, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’” She added, “It’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”

While Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at 82, stayed out of the spotlight, he was deeply appreciative of his wife’s music. In 2023, Parton revealed to the Associated Press that “My Blue Tears” was one of his favorite songs she’d ever written. Originally released on her 2001 album Little Sparrow, the song was re-recorded with Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran for Parton’s 2023 rock album Rockstar. “I thought, ‘Well, I better put one of Carl’s favorites of mine in here,’” she explained.

Read on for a look at more songs that Dolly Parton wrote about Carl Dean throughout their enduring marriage:

‘Just Because I’m a Woman’ (1968) 

While not a traditional love song, Dolly Parton’s “Just Because I’m a Woman” became one of her most famous and impactful hits—and it was inspired by a conversation she had with Carl Dean early in their relationship. Parton opened up about the story in a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone: “My husband doesn’t particularly like for me to tell this, but he’s old enough now, so he don’t really give a big s—.”

She continued, sharing how the conversation unfolded: “See, I had had sex before we met, but I hadn’t mentioned it, and he hadn’t asked. We were married for eight months, happy as we could be, and all of a sudden he decides to ask. I told him the truth, and it broke his heart. He could not get over that for the longest time. I thought, ‘Well, my goodness, what’s the big damn deal?’”

That conversation led to Parton writing “Just Because I’m a Woman,” which opens with the heartfelt lines: “I can see you’re disappointed / By the way you look at me / And I’m sorry that I’m not / The woman you thought I’d be.” The song has since become a classic, known for its raw, relatable honesty.

‘Tomorrow Is Forever’ (1970)

Dolly Parton first recorded “Say Forever You’ll Be Mine” in 1969 for her duet album with Porter Wagoner, Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca. She later re-recorded it for her 2016 album Pure & Simple, which was filled with both old and new love songs.

In a 2016 interview with Cosmopolitan, Parton shared the personal inspiration behind the album: “When I decided that I wanted to write a love album — you know, I’ve been married 50 years this year to my husband, Carl — I had two songs that I had written in our early days, early in our marriage.” She explained, “I had recorded them, I guess, in the late ’60s, early ’70s… I remembered those two songs as being two of my favorite love songs that I’d ever written, so I just thought, ‘Well, it’s been so many years, many of my fans have never even heard those songs.’”

“Say Forever You’ll Be Mine” reflects the enduring love and devotion that characterized Parton’s relationship with Dean, resonating deeply with listeners as one of her heartfelt tributes to their long-lasting bond.

‘Say Forever You’ll Be Mine’ (1975)

“From Here to the Moon and Back” originally appeared on Dolly Parton’s 1975 duet album with Porter Wagoner, Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca. It was the second vintage track she re-recorded for her 2016 album Pure & Simple. Reflecting on the song’s personal significance, Parton shared with Rolling Stone in 2016: “I wrote those back in the early, early days of our marriage. So I just pulled those out again because I thought they were precious.”

This timeless track captures the enduring love that has defined Parton’s relationship with her husband, Carl Dean, resonating with both longtime fans and newer listeners alike. The decision to revisit such meaningful songs showcases Parton’s appreciation for her early work and her deep emotional connection to the songs that have long celebrated her love story.

‘From Here to the Moon and Back’ (2012)

Dolly Parton wrote “From Here to the Moon and Back” for her 2012 movie Joyful Noise, which also starred Queen Latifah. The song was inspired by her real-life love story with Carl Dean. Parton explained to The Boot in 2012: “When I wrote ‘From Here to the Moon and Back,’ I needed to write a beautiful love song. I picked my husband, who I love, and I thought, ‘Well, I’ll write some beautiful song about him.’ It was about my husband in the movie, played by Kris Kristofferson, so I thought in order to make it really real and really touching, I would write it about my real, true emotions about someone I really do love and have loved for more than half of my life.”

A duet version with Willie Nelson was later included on Parton’s 2014 album Blue Smoke, further enhancing the song’s heartfelt message of enduring love.

‘Forever Love’ (2016)

For Pure & Simple, Dolly Parton wrote “Forever Love” as a tribute to her and Carl Dean’s golden wedding anniversary. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2016, Parton shared: “That’s the one I considered our wedding song because we got remarried on May 30th, on our 50th anniversary. I thought I’d have to have a little wedding song, so that was the one. I purposely tried to write a wedding song and I thought it would be a good wedding song for anybody’s wedding.” The song became a beautiful reflection of their lasting love.

Striped Sweatshirt Deal

For something a little lighter, here’s a deal of the day: Channel some coastal-chic vibes with a comfy, lightweight striped sweatshirt that’s now 40% off on Amazon! Perfect for any casual outing.

And Some Covers in His Honor

While Dolly Parton is known for her country legacy, her husband, Carl Dean, was a massive rock fan—something that influenced some of her music choices. One notable example is her 2002 album Halos & Horns, which featured a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” Parton shared that Led Zeppelin was one of Dean’s favorite bands, explaining, “My husband has such an odd taste in music, and he loves Led Zeppelin. He’s been a Led Head from day one and also loves bluegrass and big-band music. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ was always Carl’s favorite. It was kind of like ‘our song’ because at romantic times or sweet times, we’d just be riding around in the car and if that would come on, Lord, he’d just knock us out of the car turning it up full blast.”

Parton revisited “Stairway to Heaven” on her 2023 rock album Rockstar. The LP also featured a cover of Heart’s “Magic Man”, which she cheekily titled “Magic Man (Carl Version)” in homage to Dean’s unique musical tastes.