When life hands you lemons, sometimes it's the people around you who turn them into lemonade. For Dolly Parton, the legendary country star, her world recently took an unexpected turn with the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Deal. In the wake of this devastating loss, the country music community has rallied around her like never before. Exclusive sources tell Closer that close friends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have been there every step of the way, offering comfort and unwavering support around the clock.
Longtime Friends, Lifelong Bonds
Garth and Trisha, who have been incredibly close to Dolly over the years, are grieving alongside her. "They’ve been there for her through thick and thin," an insider shares. "Carl was more than just Dolly’s husband—he was a part of their circle too. When Carl passed, Dolly reached out to them almost immediately. Their response? Incredible." It's not just about words; it's about actions. These friends have been there for Dolly, making sure she knows she’s not alone during this challenging time.
A Life Together
Carl Deal passed away on March 3 at the age of 82. A private ceremony will honor his life, with only immediate family in attendance. In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram, Dolly wrote, "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." She also requested privacy for her family during this difficult period.
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For over six decades, Dolly and Carl built a life together that was as steadfast as it was private. While Dolly became a global icon, Carl preferred to stay out of the spotlight, supporting his wife from behind the scenes. This loss is deeply felt, but Dolly isn’t facing it alone.
A Network of Love and Support
As soon as the news broke, Garth Brooks, 63, and Trisha Yearwood, 60, "dropped everything to be there for her," says the source. "They’ve been just a phone call away, checking in constantly, sending care packages, flowers, and offering endless prayers. They understand what this means to Dolly, and they’re doing everything they can to help her through this." And it's not just them. Miley Cyrus and her entire family have also stepped up, reaching out to offer their support in any way possible.
“It means the world to Dolly,” the insider adds. "She’s heartbroken, but she’s grateful to have such a strong network of friends around her. These are people who truly care about her well-being and are committed to helping her heal."
Dolly and Carl's relationship was one of quiet strength. They kept their nearly six-decade love story private, rarely stepping into the public eye together. In fact, Carl only accompanied Dolly to one red-carpet event in 1966—the same year they got married. Afterward, he made it clear to her that he didn’t enjoy the spotlight. "Dolly, I want you to have everything you want, and I’m happy for you, but don’t you ever ask me to go to another one of them dang things again," he reportedly told her.
Carl’s preference for privacy didn’t mean he wasn’t supportive of Dolly’s career. Quite the opposite, in fact. As Dolly revealed in a November 2023 interview with Apple Music’s "What Would Dolly Do? Radio," Carl was always there for her, even if it was from the sidelines. "Carl has never been in the limelight, and he doesn’t want to be," she explained. "But he’s always been supportive. He’s like a brother, a father, a friend, a husband, and a lover—all those things to me. I think he’s proud that we’ve been together this long."
Though Dolly knew Carl’s health had been declining, his passing still came as a shock. "She’s still reeling from this," the source says. "Even though she prepared herself over the years, no one is ever truly ready for something like this. But she’s heartbroken yet incredibly grateful to have so many friends to lean on during this time."
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