In a devastating loss for country music royalty, Dolly Parton’s beloved husband, Carl Dean, has passed away at the age of 82. The sad news was confirmed by Parton herself on Monday, March 3, through an emotional social media post.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” the Jolene songstress wrote. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
A Private Goodbye
The reclusive Dean, who was rarely seen by the public throughout their nearly six-decade marriage, will be laid to rest in an intimate ceremony attended only by immediate family. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
A Love Story Like No Other
The couple’s legendary romance began in 1964 at a Nashville laundromat, where an 18-year-old Dolly caught the eye of 21-year-old Carl. Sparks flew instantly, and just two years later, they tied the knot in a quiet ceremony.
Despite Dolly’s global fame, Dean remained fiercely private, choosing to live life away from the glare of the spotlight. But his love and support for his superstar wife never wavered.
“He’s always supporting me as long as I don’t try to drag him in on it,” Parton shared in a 2019 interview with People. “He’s always been my biggest fan behind the scenes.”
The Secret to Their Unbreakable Bond
Even after nearly 60 years together, Parton and Dean found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
“He loves music, but he’s not in the music business at all, so we have different things to talk about—his world and my world,” Parton told Entertainment Tonight in 2023. “We have a lot of love and respect for each other, and I think the key to all of it… we both have a crazy, warped sense of humor, so we have a lot of fun.”
From cozy RV trips to spontaneous picnics by the river, the couple made the most of their time together, cherishing every moment.
Another Tragic Loss for Parton
Dean’s passing marks another heartbreaking chapter for Parton, who lost her older brother, David Wilburn Parton, just months ago in November at the same age of 82.
As the country icon faces this difficult time, fans across the world are rallying behind her, offering love and support to the woman who has always put family above all else.