“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.
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Lyrics
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm
Mm-hmm
Oh
There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven
When she gets there, she knows if the stores are all closed
With a word, she can get what she came for
Ooh, ooh, she’s buying a stairway to heaven
There’s a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know, words sometimes have two meanings
In a tree by the brook, there’s a songbird who sings
Sometimes, all of our thoughts are misgiven
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, it makes me wonder
There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west
And my spirit is crying for leaving
In my thoughts, I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
And the voices of those who stand looking
Ooh, it makes me wonder (makes me wonder)
Ooh, it makes me wonder (makes me wonder)
And it’s whispered that soon, if we all call the tune
Then, the piper will lead us to reason
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter
Woah-woah-woah-woah-woah
If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a spring-clean for the May Queen
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
There’s still time to change the road you’re on
And it makes me wonder
Oh, it makes me wonder (makes me wonder)
Your head is humming, and it won’t go, in case you don’t know
The piper’s calling you to join him
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow? And did you know
Your stairway lies upon the whispering wind?
Stairway to heaven, stairway to heaven
And as we walk on down the road
Our shadows, taller than our souls
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all is one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll
Stairway
Stairway
Stairway
And she’s buying a stairway to heaven