Dolly Parton has broken her silence following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, at the age of 82. In an emotional statement, the country music legend expressed her grief, saying, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” She also thanked fans for their prayers and support as she navigates this difficult time. Dean, who always kept a low profile despite Parton’s immense fame, will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by close family.
The couple’s love story began in 1964 when they met outside a laundromat in Nashville. Parton was 18, and Dean was 21, and the two quickly fell in love. They married in 1966 and built a life together away from the spotlight, with Dean running a road-paving business while Parton rose to superstardom. Throughout their nearly 60-year marriage, Dean remained Parton’s biggest supporter but never sought fame for himself. “He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it,” Parton once said.
Despite their differing lifestyles, the couple made their marriage work through humor and mutual respect. Parton often joked that their relationship thrived because they were opposites—she was outgoing, while he was reserved. “We have a lot of love and respect for each other, and the key to all of it… we have a lot of fun,” she shared. Even as she became a global icon, Parton made sure to keep their marriage strong, going as far as dressing up at home to keep the spark alive.
Dean’s passing comes just months after Parton lost her older brother, David Wilburn Parton, who also passed away at 82. As she mourns the loss of her beloved husband, fans continue to send their condolences, honoring the man who, while rarely seen, played a crucial role in the life of one of music’s most beloved stars.
