After nearly 60 years together, the former road-paving business owner passed away
Businessman Carl Dean, and husband of almost 60 years to veteran country singer Dolly Parton, has passed away.
The 82-year-old music legend passed away yesterday (March 3) in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee—just nine years after joyfully renewing his wedding vows with the iconic “9 to 5” singer.
Country Icon Dolly Parton Mourns the Loss of Her Beloved Husband, Carl Dean
Legendary country singer Dolly Parton has issued a heartfelt statement following the passing of her 82-year-old husband, Carl Dean, in their hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, on March 3.
“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,” the 79-year-old icon expressed.
Dean’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony alongside immediate family. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
Though married to one of the most recognizable stars in the world, Carl Dean always preferred a life away from the spotlight. Parton reminisced about her husband’s aversion to fame during a chat on the Dumb Blonde podcast last year.
“He said, ‘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,’ and he never did.”
Despite his love for music, he had no desire to be part of the industry. “He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it,” she revealed. “And he told me that right up front.”
Their love story stood the test of time, with the couple renewing their vows in 2016 at their Nashville home. While they may have been opposites, their bond was built on humor and understanding.
“He’s quiet and I’m loud, and we’re funny… we have a lot of fun,” Parton shared. “Anytime there’s too much tension, one of us finds a joke to break it. We never fought back and forth.”
Dean’s passing marks the end of a decades-long love story, but Parton’s words are a testament to the deep, unwavering bond they shared.
A Love Story for the Ages: How Dolly Parton and Carl Dean Kept the Spark Alive
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s love story began in the most unexpected of places—outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1964. Parton, just 18 years old, caught the eye of 21-year-old Dean as he drove by in his pickup truck. Unable to resist, he “hollered” at her, as Parton fondly recalled in a 1976 interview with The New York Times.
As Parton’s star soared to legendary heights, Dean remained steadfastly out of the limelight, supporting her from behind the scenes while running his road-paving business. Though he preferred privacy, his unwavering devotion to his wife never wavered.
Even after decades together, their love never lost its spark. In a 2022 interview with E! News, Parton revealed how she always made an effort to keep the romance alive.
“Every day, I put on some makeup and fix my hair because I think, ‘Well, the whole world sees me all dressed up, and I’m not going to just go home and flop on him.’”
Their nearly 60-year marriage was built on love, laughter, and mutual respect—proof that even in the whirlwind of fame, true love can stand the test of time.
