Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s Husband, Dies at 82
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s Husband, Dies at 82: A Love That Lasted Over 60 Years Carl Dean, the devoted husband of country music legend Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee. Parton shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing her deep sadness and gratitude for the love they shared.
“Carl and I had the soo many wonderful years together. There are no words to describe the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for the your prayers and the condolences,” Parton said.
A Private Farewell According to Parton’s publicist, Dean died on Monday. The funeral will be held privately and will be attended only by family members. The couple has always valued their privacy, and their farewell reflects that.
Fateful First Meeting Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s love story began in 1964 when they met outside a Wishy Wassey laundry. It was Parton’s first day in Nashville and she was immediately drawn to Dean.
Recalling their first meeting, Parton once said, “I was surprised and delighted because he was looking at my face when he was talking to me. That was unusual for me. He really wanted to know who I was.”
Two years later, they married and began a lifelong journey. Life away from fame Carl Dean was a successful businessman who owned an asphalt installation company in Nashville before retiring. Despite being married to one of the most famous women in music, he became reclusive and preferred a quiet life.
He rarely attended public events with Parton, and in a 2011 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, she revealed that he had only seen her perform a few times.
50-year wedding anniversary in 2016, Parton and Dean renewed their wedding vows to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Parton admitted that she was surprised that her introverted and reserved husband attended the ceremony.
“He’s afraid to go public. I’m really surprised that he’s willing to do this, but he’s proud that we’ve been together for 50 years,” she said at the time.
I don’t regret not having kids The couple never had children, but Parton has always been at peace with the decision. In a 2019 interview on CBS Sunday Morning, she was asked if she ever regretted not having children.
“No, absolutely not. It wasn’t meant to be, and I don’t regret it. I’ve never regretted it. It was a choice, and when you make a decision, you make a sacrifice. I knew from the beginning that I was going to go this way until God told me to go another way. And God hasn’t told me to leave yet!”
A Quiet and Powerful Legacy Carl Dean is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie; although he has stayed out of the public eye, his love story with Dolly Parton is one of the most enduring and beloved in country music history.
As fans and loved ones mourn her passing, Parton’s unwavering support and the love they shared will never be forgotten.