Carl Dean, businessman and long-time husband to country music icon Dolly Parton, has passed away. Dean, 82, died in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, on March 3. Dolly, 79, shared an emotional statement expressing that “words can’t do justice to the love” they shared over the years.
The couple, married for almost 60 years, renewed their vows nine years ago, after initially marrying in May 1966. In her statement, Parton said, “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.”
Dean’s family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, and it is reported that Dean will be buried in a private ceremony attended by close family members. Although the couple didn’t have children, their bond was strong and enduring. Despite Dolly’s fame, they stayed together for over six decades, facing the challenges that came with her success in the music industry.
In a podcast appearance last year, Parton shared that Dean had always been supportive of her career but never wanted to be in the public eye. She recalled that he told her early on, “Look, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going.”
Their love story began in 1964, when they met outside a laundromat in Nashville. Parton was 18, and Dean, 21, drove by in his pickup truck, saw her, and called out to her. Their connection was instant, and they went on to build a life together.
While Parton became a global star, Dean continued to run his road-paving business. His quiet support helped Parton throughout her rise to fame. Rest in peace, Carl Dean.
