Dolly Parton's hit song was released in October 1973 and has since been covered by dozens of musicians. She previously said that the ballad was "loosely based on a little bit of truth" by a woman who had a crush on the singer's late husband,

Dolly Parton, who's put her life into beautiful songs through her whole career, from "I Will Always Love You" to "Jolene," just released the track "If You Hadn't Been There" in honor of husband Carl Dean's death on March 3.

Dolly Parton has released a breathtaking new ballad in tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean. Dean, who was Parton’s devoted husband of nearly 60 years, died Monday. He avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene.

The woman Dolly Parton brought to life in her song "Jolene" is perhaps one of country music's most famous fictional characters, with her " flaming locks of auburn hair ," " Ivory skin " and " Eyes of emerald green ."

More: How Dolly Parton honored husband Carl Dean after his death and what to know about their 'many wonderful years together' In their early years of marriage, here's how Parton's

Related: Dolly Parton compares Beyoncé's Becky to Jolene on Cowboy Carter: 'That hussy with the good hair' Parton and Dean married in 1966, and the couple never had children. Tho

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s devoted husband of nearly 60 years who avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene,” died Monday. He was 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton’s publicist, Dean died in Nashville, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Dolly Parton has released a loving tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean. Parton, 79, announced last Monday that Dean had passed away at age 82. The country music l

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's husband for nearly 60 years and the man whose flirting inspired her classic hit "Jolene," has died. He was 82. Parton announced the news today in an Instagram post. "Carl Dean,