Rising Canadian country star Hailey Benedict has shared her reflective single “Carl Dean,” along with an official music video.
The heartfelt track is inspired by the decades-long love story between Dolly Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean, a man who famously stayed out of the spotlight despite being married to one of music’s biggest icons.
Inspired by Dolly and Carl’s Timeless Love Story
Benedict co-wrote “Carl Dean” two years ago with Clara Park and Claire Douglas and recorded it in Nashville last year.
While she had been performing the song at shows and songwriter rounds for some time, the official release was carefully timed. After Carl Dean’s passing in March at the age of 82, Benedict sought and received the blessing of Dolly Parton’s team before moving forward with the song.
“I’ve admired Dolly my whole life,” says Benedict. “She’s had a very bold and public career, but Carl chose a deeply private life. I found that contrast incredibly moving. Their relationship wasn’t secret, but it was sacred. It’s a beautiful reminder that some of the most meaningful things don’t need to be seen by everyone to still matter.”
“This song is a tribute to a quiet kind of love,” she adds. “One that exists beyond the spotlight, but is no less powerful.”
We Had Hailey Join Us On The Porch. Have A Listen
Following the Success of “Things My Mama Says”
“Carl Dean” is Benedict’s latest single following her breakout hit “Things My Mama Says,” which marked her first release through her worldwide deal with Big Loud/Local Hay. That song spent six weeks in the Top 10 at Canadian country radio and was the most played song by a Canadian artist for five consecutive weeks.
Together, “Things My Mama Says” and “Carl Dean” highlight Benedict’s authentic storytelling and emotional depth. These qualities continue to define her as one of the most promising voices in country music today.
About Hailey Benedict
Praised by CityTV as “the future star of country music” and described by The Calgary Herald as a “prodigy whose star is definitely on the rise,” Hailey Benedict has been capturing hearts since age 14, when Keith Urban invited her on stage for an impromptu performance.
Since then, she has won the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, performed on the main stages of major festivals across North America, built a devoted TikTok following of over 250,000, and signed worldwide record and publishing deals with Big Loud/Local Hay.
With “Carl Dean,” Benedict honours a timeless love story and continues to carve out her own path filled with heartfelt songs and authentic connection.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
