Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country, has always been celebrated for her boldness and creative vision however, there was one song that almost didn’t make it to the recording studio, thanks to her late husband, Carl Dean. Dolly’s decision to cover the iconic rock anthem “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin in 2002 raised eyebrows especially with Carl, who wasn’t exactly thrilled about it as he was known for voicing his opinions, even when it came to his wife’s musical choices.
Carl, who had a strong hatred to country music, expressed his doubt about the cover saying “I don’t think you should do that.” He even jokingly remarked “Are you sure that’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ or stairwell to hell?” Despite Carl’s objections she remained determined as she decided to go ahead with her bluegrass-inspired rendition which sparked much debate among fans and critics alike.
Dolly’s “Stairway to Heaven”
Though Dolly’s cover became a major talking point, Carl wasn’t immediately sold on the idea as he shared his concerns calling it a “legend” and a “classic” that might be hard to reimagine however Dolly, confident in her artistic choices, moved forward with the project. In 2023, she revisited the song with a fresh country twist on her ‘Rockstar’ album. This time, even Carl who had initially been hesitant; admitted “It was okay”
After the emotional power of Dolly Parton’s “Stairway to Heaven”, lets shift to another legendary performance. Dolly takes the stage with a group of incredible artists for “Jolene” at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The energy changes but the passion stays strong, leaving you captivated by their dynamic heartfelt performances.
Dolly Parton – “Jolene” (Live Performance)
Their bond, lasting over 60 years, was one of the cornerstones of Dolly’s life and career. After Carl’s passing in 2025, Dolly reflected on their enduring love, saying “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”
Dolly’s fearless approach to music and the lasting love between her and Carl continue to inspire fans through every musical challenge and triumph, Dolly remains a symbol of courage, determination and the power of love. Fans can still connect with her remarkable journey and the stories that shaped her iconic career. Follow Dolly Patron’s social media handles and subscribe to her YouTube channel to stay connected