Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, has passed away at the age of 82, the country music icon confirmed. In a heartfelt message on social media, Parton expressed her deep sorrow, writing, “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. Dean, who preferred to stay out of the public eye despite his wife’s immense fame, will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with only close family present.
Parton and Dean first met in 1964 at a laundromat when she was 18 and he was 21. They married two years later, and their relationship remained a pillar of stability throughout her career. Though he rarely appeared in public with her, Dean was always a strong presence in her life. In past interviews, Parton shared that he was her biggest supporter but preferred to stay out of the spotlight. She once joked, “He’d never come dragging around. I’d rather bring somebody else with me, you know?”
The couple’s marriage thrived for over six decades, and Parton often credited their different worlds as the secret to their success. “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,” she said in 2023. They enjoyed the simple pleasures of life together, often taking road trips in their RV or having picnics by the river. Despite Parton’s larger-than-life career, their love was built on everyday moments.
Dean’s passing comes just months after Parton lost her older brother, David Wilburn Parton, who also passed away at 82. As she mourns yet another loss in her family, fans continue to send their love and support to the beloved singer, who has always spoken of her deep connection to family.
