Dolly Parton issues statement after death of husband Carl Dean

Carl Dean, a businessman and the devoted husband of country music icon Dolly Parton, has passed away.

Reports indicate that Dean, aged 82, died in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, on March 3. Parton, who is 79, released a heartfelt statement expressing that “words can’t do justice to the love” they shared.

The couple, who celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage, renewed their vows nine years ago after originally marrying in May 1966.

In light of Dean’s passing, Parton shared: “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.”

Their family has requested privacy during this challenging time. Reports suggest that Dean will be interred in a private ceremony attended by close family members.

Although the couple did not have children, their unwavering commitment to each other was remarkable. Despite the challenges of the music industry and the pressures of Dolly’s fame, they remained devoted to one another for over six decades.

During a recent appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast, Parton recounted that Dean had made it clear from the beginning that he supported her musical ambitions but preferred to stay out of the public eye.

Parton shared 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 further noted: “He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it. And he told me that right up front.”
The beginnings of their romantic journey are often recounted as having taken place in 1964, when Dean and Parton first encountered each other outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. At that time, Parton was 18 years old, while Dean was 21. A connection was ignited when Dean, driving by in his pickup truck, called out to Parton, as she later shared with The New York Times in 1976. Throughout Parton’s ascent to fame, her husband provided steadfast support from behind the scenes, all the while managing a road-paving business.

May Carl Dean rest in peace.