In a performance that touched many, Dolly Parton came on stage and paid tribute to her deceased husband, Carl Dean and the audience was left very moved. At that event, Hayley revealed her latest song called “If You Hadn’t Been There,” which was about the deep sadness and thankfulness she felt for her husband of 60 years.
As the stage was dimly illuminated and everyone waited expectantly, Dolly appeared to the audience looking as a sorrowful wife, just holding back her emotions. Introducing the song, her voice shook as she gave it respect and also shared her vulnerability. He was where I always felt I belonged. She said, “I am the calm in every storm,” and her eyes began to glisten. “I wish I would have said all of this before, but I didn’t.”
Adam Lambert stood by Dolly’s side and added strength to her more vulnerable appearance. The emotion in his singing made their solo spin-off sound like a complete duet. “To be beside Dolly tonight and help promote love that will last forever is the greatest honor of my whole life,” he whispered just before they began.
The song came on gently, almost humbly, so that the words would not feel too strong. Every paragraph showed some part of a love affair that was largely unknown until recently—a union that faced fame, distance and the years without much fanfare. They sang together so well that every word told of grief and remembered happiness alike.
When the chorus ended, Dolly took a pause, turned her head up and said quietly, “thank you for loving me, Carl.” All eyes were on her, breathing stopped for a second. A beautiful and slow revolution of shock and approval started as an ovation among the audience. The crowd, the performers and others behind the scenes cried during the songs. All who were there for it would never forget it.
What happened that night was special, since it let a grieving artist cut through loss with a performance, a message and a moment of comfort to the audience. People were reminded that in tough times, music gives us strength, comfort and helps us share things we can’t say with words.