Dolly Parton. Credit / Getty Images
Carl Dean, businessman and longtime husband to country music goddess Dolly Parton, has passed away.
According to reports, Dean, 82, passed away in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, yesterday (March 3). Parton, 79, issued an emotional statement detailing how “words can’t do justice to the love” the couple shared.
The pair, married for almost 60 years, renewed their wedding vows nine years ago having initially tied the knot back in May of 1966.
Following news of Dean’s passing being made public, Parton released the following statement: “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.”
Meanwhile, their family have also asked for ‘privacy during this difficult time’. According to reports, Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by his immediate family.
Though the couple never had children, Dean and Parton’s commitment to one another was legendary. Despite the rigors of the music industry, as well as the inevitable strain that comes with being as famous as Dolly is, the two lovebirds stuck by one another for over six decades.
During an appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast last year, Parton explained that Dean outlined early on that he had no problem with his wife pursuing a career in music, but that he wanted no part of the spotlight himself.
Parton revealed on the podcast: “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.”
She added: “He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it. And he told me that right up front.”
As for the origins of their love story, it’s said that Dean and Parton met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee in 1964. Parton was 18 and Dean was 21. Sparks flew as Dean drove past in his pickup truck when he saw Parton outside and ‘hollered’ at her, she divulged to The New York Times in 1976.
Some sad news…
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of 58 years, has died.
He was 82.
“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." pic.twitter.com/8D4kpXswbK
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 4, 2025
Throughout Parton’s rise to superstardom, her husband supported her behind the scenes while maintaining a road-paving business.
