Rising country star Hailey Benedictreleases her reflective new single “Carl Dean” today, along with the official video. The song is inspired by Dolly Parton’s 60-year relationship with her husband, Carl Dean – a man who stayed out of the spotlight, yet remained a steady presence behind one of music’s most iconic figures.
Benedict co-wrote “Carl Dean” two years ago with Clara Park and Claire Douglas and recorded it in Nashville last year. She had been performing the song at her shows and songwriter rounds, with plans for its release this summer. Following Carl Dean’s passing in March at the age of 82, Benedict wanted to ensure the release was handled with care and respect, seeking and receiving the blessing from Parton’s team before moving forward.
“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, and I found that contrast incredibly moving. Their relationship wasn’t secret, but it was sacred – a beautiful metaphor and reminder that some of the most beautiful things don’t need to be seen by everyone to still be meaningful.”
“This song is a tribute to a quiet kind of love,” she says, “one that exists beyond the spotlight, but is no less powerful.”
“Carl Dean” is the follow-up to “Things My Mama Says,” Benedict’s first single through her worldwide deal with Big Loud/Local Hay. The song spent six weeks in the Top 10 at Canadian country radio and was the most played song by a Canadian artist for five straight weeks. “Things My Mama Says” and “Carl Dean” offer a glimpse into the authenticity and emotional depth that define Benedict’s emerging artistry.
Benedict has a packed summer of performances, including stops at The Ponoka Stampede(June 30, Ponoka, AB); Calgary Stampede (July 5, Calgary, AB); Country Thunder Saskatchewan (July 13, Craven, SK); Boots and Hearts (August 9, Burl’s Creek, ON); and The Burt Block Party (August 14, Winnipeg, MB). Earlier this month, Benedict played Nashville’s beloved Bluebird Cafe for this first time, performing “Carl Dean” for the attentive audience. She also graced the Spotlight Stage at CMA Fest. Benedict will make her debut on the legendary Ryman Auditorium stage as part of The Kenny Campbell Foundation Benefit Concert on July 24.
A full list of dates can be found at haileybenedictmusic.com.
ABOUT HAILEY BENEDICT:
Hailed as “the future star of country music” by CityTV and praised as a “prodigy whose star is definitely on the rise” by The Calgary Herald, CCMA Award-winner Hailey Benedict first captured international attention at age 14 when Keith Urban pulled her on stage for an impromptu performance in front of a sold-out arena. Since then, the guitar-wielding singer-songwriter has won the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, performed on the main stages of some of North America’s biggest festivals, built a TikTok following of over 250,000, and last year signed worldwide record and publishing deals with Big Loud/Local Hay.
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