Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, who passed away at 82. The country music icon shared the heartbreaking news on social media, paying tribute to the man who stood by her side for almost 60 years.
ALSO SEE: Rachel Kolisi parts ways with Kolisi Foundation
In a statement released on Instagram, Parton confirmed that Dean passed away on 3 March in Nashville. “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at 82,” the statement read. “He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”
View this post on Instagram
The singer, known for her warmth and humour, spoke of the deep bond she and Dean shared. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” she wrote before requesting privacy during this difficult time.
A love story that lasted a lifetime
Website | Dollyparton.com
Parton and Dean first met in 1964 outside a laundrette in Nashville. She was just 18 years old and had just arrived in the city to pursue her music career. She later recalled how Dean caught her attention by calling out to her from his pick-up truck, a moment that would change both their lives forever.
Two years later, on 30 May 1966, the couple wed in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, attended only by Parton’s mother, the pastor, and his wife. Despite Parton’s rise to global stardom, Dean remained resolutely out of the limelight, preferring a quiet life away from the public eye. Before retiring, he rarely attended events with his wife and was known for running an asphalt business in Nashville.
While Parton’s larger-than-life personality made her a household name, Dean was the steadfast and private presence in her personal life. She often spoke about their contrasting natures, crediting their differing interests and shared sense of humour as the key to their long and happy marriage. “We’re not in each other’s faces all the time,” she once said. “He’s not in the business, so we have different interests, yet we have the things we love to do together.”
A private man with a lasting influence
Despite his aversion to the spotlight, Dean undeniably influenced Parton’s life and music. He inspired some of her most beloved songs, including the timeless hit Jolene. Parton once recounted how a flirtatious bank teller had taken a shine to Dean, which led to her penning the now-iconic track.
His love for rock music also influenced Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar, a tribute to the genre he adored. “Most of these songs I chose because of Carl and because I knew they were good songs, ‘cause he knows good music,” she told Good Morning America at the time.
Even though he avoided the spotlight, Dean’s devotion to Parton was unwavering. She often shared anecdotes of his romantic gestures, from spontaneous love notes to picking daffodils for her every spring. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, trust, and a deep love that endured over the years.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Getty
