Dolly Parton’s long-lasting relationship with her husband, Carl Dean, has been a topic of interest for many. Recently, their unique marriage arrangement resurfaced after Carl’s passing at 82.
Despite Dolly’s worldwide fame, Carl was known for staying out of the spotlight. The couple kept their relationship private, but Dolly occasionally shared insights about their marriage, especially when rumors suggested they were in an “open” relationship.
She once joked about it, saying, “It’s an open relationship when it comes to flirting, but nothing more.” She added that neither of them was jealous, and they both enjoyed lighthearted flirting. “Yes, it’s open, but NOT sexually. I’d kill him if I thought he was, and he’d do the same to me,” she laughed.
Carl also had a sense of humor about the many rumors involving Dolly. He would joke about tabloid stories, like when one claimed she was having Burt Reynolds’ baby. He even brought home magazines to show her the latest gossip.
Dolly described Carl as a “homebody” who preferred their farm life over Hollywood events. Even early in their marriage, Carl made it clear he had no interest in attending award shows. After accompanying Dolly to an event in 1967, where she won BMI Song of the Year, Carl told her, “I wish you the best, but don’t ask me to go to another one.”
Despite staying out of the industry, Carl inspired Dolly’s hit song, “Jolene.” She recalled how a bank teller had a crush on him, and he enjoyed the attention. “It was a running joke between us,” Dolly said. The name “Jolene” actually came from a young fan who asked for her autograph at a concert.
Dolly and Carl first met at a laundromat in 1964 when she was just 18. They married two years later and remained together for six decades. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, they renewed their vows in 2016.
Reflecting on their relationship, Dolly said humor kept them strong. “Whenever tension rose, we found a joke to break it. We never argued back and forth.”
Though they never had children, Dolly felt her career would have taken a different path if they had. She believed all children were hers in a way.
Dolly shared a heartfelt tribute after Carl’s passing, saying, “Words can’t describe the love we shared for 60 years. Thank you for your prayers.”
