“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Dolly Parton, the beloved Queen of Country, has always been known for her boldness and artistic flair, but there was one song that almost didn’t make it to the recording studio—thanks to the very man she shared nearly six decades with. Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, wasn’t shy about offering his opinions, even when it came to his wife’s musical choices. And when Dolly decided to cover the legendary rock anthem Stairway to Heaven, Carl wasn’t exactly thrilled.
The song, originally by the iconic British rock band Led Zeppelin, was a bold choice for the country legend, who famously wrote I Will Always Love You for her mentor Porter Wagoner. But when she shared her plans to add her own spin to Stairway to Heaven in 2002, Carl expressed his hesitation, warning her, “I don’t think you should do that.”
Speaking about the cover while promoting her 2023 album Rockstar, Parton recalled Carl’s reaction, revealing that he wasn’t a fan of country music—making her take on the classic rock tune even less appealing to him. “Country music was his least favorite,” Dolly shared, laughing as she explained how he even quipped about the song, “Are you sure that’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ or stairwell to hell?”
Despite Carl’s objections, Dolly went ahead with the cover, offering a bluegrass-inspired version of the song that turned out to be a major talking point for fans and critics alike. But Carl, ever the straight-shooter, wasn’t initially sold on her decision. “He said, ‘I don’t think you should do that,’” Dolly recalled. “And I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘Because it’s a legend. It’s a classic.’”
Still, Dolly was undeterred and went on to revisit the song with an updated version for her Rockstar album, released in 2023. This time, she brought her unique country spin to the legendary track in a project that reimagined rock classics. Though Carl had his doubts, he eventually softened, agreeing that the cover “was okay.”
Dolly’s heartwarming tribute to Carl on March 3, 2025, following his death at 82, further highlighted the special bond the couple shared. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” Dolly wrote in a statement shared on social media. She asked for privacy during this difficult time as the family mourns Carl’s passing.
Though Carl may not have been on board with some of her musical choices, Dolly’s unapologetic approach to her art is part of what has made her a trailblazer in the music world. And while Stairway to Heaven may have been a contentious choice, it’s clear that Dolly’s passion for pushing musical boundaries always came from a place of love—and that Carl, even with his reservations, had a deep respect for her artistry.
As Dolly reflects on their decades-long marriage, her fans remember that her journey—both musically and personally—has always been one of courage, determination, and a love that lasted a lifetime.