On Monday, March 3, Dolly Parton took to Instagram to share the devastating news of her husband Carl Thomas Dean's passing. At the age of 82, Carl left behind a legacy of love and devotion that spanned over six decades with the legendary singer.
“Carl Dean, the beloved husband of Dolly Parton, passed away on March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by immediate family members. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the heartfelt announcement on Dolly’s Instagram account read.
In a deeply personal message, Dolly expressed her gratitude for the incredible bond they shared throughout their lives together. “Carl and I spent countless wonderful years side by side. Words can’t begin to capture the profound love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and sympathy during this difficult time. The family kindly requests privacy as we grieve together,” she wrote.
Read also:Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos Share Hilarious Retirement Plans Thanks To Their Daughter Lola
A Love Story Like No Other
At the age of 79, Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean celebrated a remarkable journey of love that began back in 1966 when they tied the knot. Their romance started in the most unexpected of places—outside a laundromat in Nashville. Dolly once described their first meeting with fondness, recalling, “I was taken aback and thrilled that while he talked to me, he looked me straight in the face (a rare occurrence for me). He seemed genuinely curious about who I was and what drove me,” she shared on her official website.
Keeping Their Love Private
Throughout their years together, Dolly and Carl chose to keep their relationship private, cherishing their moments away from the public eye. “Carl has always stayed out of the limelight. It wasn’t his scene, and he made it clear early on. He attended one event with me shortly after we were married—a BMI Song of the Year gala—and by the end of the night, he was peeling off his tuxedo, tie, and everything else, saying, ‘Don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going,’” Dolly recounted in November 2023 on Apple Music’s “What Would Dolly Do? Radio.”
She continued, “And I never did. He didn’t have to go again, and that’s how we both preferred it.”
Renewing Vows: Celebrating a Lifetime of Love
After more than five decades of marriage, Dolly decided to renew her vows with Carl in 2016, marking a beautiful celebration of their enduring love. “I dressed up in the most stunning gown you’ve ever seen, and I made sure my husband looked every bit the Hollywood star,” she told Rolling Stone in August 2016. “We kept things intimate, inviting only close family and friends. We didn’t want any stress or drama, so we carefully planned everything to ensure it was simple and heartfelt. We held a small ceremony at our chapel at home, surrounded by those who mattered most to us.”
Dolly fondly remembered Carl’s preference for staying out of the limelight even after their vow renewal. “My husband is a true loner. He doesn’t enjoy being around crowds; he’s happiest with just me. He’s always asked to be left out of all the fuss. But don’t get me wrong—he’s incredibly supportive. He’s been a brother, father, friend, husband, and lover—all rolled into one. I believe he’s proud of how far we’ve come together,” she shared with People in May 2016.
