The Dolly Parton music icon opened this week about his struggles with the composition of songs after the death of her husband.
Country singer’s husband, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March at the age of 82.
Parton, 79, sat with Khloé Kardashian for an episode of his podcast, “Khloé in Wonder Land”, to discuss his work, past, present and future.
When asked about his many talents, including acting, song and song composition, and if he feels closer to one of them than others, the artist said that they are all important for her, but the composition of songs is what feels most connected.
“I love feeling like that, I can create something, to leave something in today’s world that was not there yesterday,” Parton told Kardashian, adding that her writing makes her feel connected to God.
Parton also approached the writer’s block and not finish the song composition projects that began.
“My husband died three months ago, when you asked me if there are things that I started, I have not finished, several things I wanted to start, but I can’t do it,” said Parton. “I will do it later, but I only have such wonderful and beautiful ideas, but I think I will not finish it.”
The musician continued that he cannot assume these projects at this time because he has “so many other things” and that “he cannot afford to get excited at this time.” Parton said he will write other songs if they come to her, and added that the composition of songs is his “joy” that is also his work.
Dean, a Nashville businessman and Parton married in 1966 after gathering two years before, and maintained their relationship outside the public eye.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words cannot do justice to the love we share for more than 60 years,” Parton said in a shared statement after his death. “Thanks for your prayers and sympathy.”
Days later, Parton published a sincere message thanking those who approached her after her death.
“This is a love note for family, friends and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards and flowers that you have sent to present your respect for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” Parton wrote. “I can’t communicate personally with each of you, but I only know what the world has meant for me. Now he is in the arms of God and I agree with that. I will always love you.”
The singer of “Jolene” also threw an emotional ballad honoring her late husband, “if you hadn’t been there.”
The song looks back in the love and support that Parton received from Dean throughout his marriage.
“If you hadn’t been there / Where would you be?
In an Instagram post, announcing the launch of the song, Parton said he fell in love with Dean when he was 18 years old.
“Like all the great love stories, they never end,” Parton wrote. “They live in memory and song. It will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song.”
