Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s Husband of Nearly 60 Years, Dies at 82

Carl Dean, the beloved husband of country music icon Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82. Dean passed away on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, as announced by Parton on her social media platforms.

Parton and Dean were married for nearly six decades, having tied the knot on May 30, 1966, in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.

Their relationship was marked by deep love and mutual respect, with Dean maintaining a low profile throughout their marriage despite Parton’s immense fame.

The couple met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat on Parton’s first day in Nashville when she was just 18 years old.

Parton often reminisced about their first encounter, noting how Dean focused on her face during their conversation, which she found both surprising and delightful.

Dean was an entrepreneur who owned an asphalt-paving business in Nashville. He was known for his private nature, rarely appearing in public with Parton.

Despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight, Dean had a significant impact on Parton’s life and career, inspiring her iconic song Jolene.

In a statement, Parton expressed her gratitude for the love they shared over more than 60 years, thanking fans for their prayers and sympathy. Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by immediate family members.

Dean is survived by Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and no details regarding the cause of death have been disclosed.

A photo of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean together, or a picture of Parton reminiscing about their life together, would be a fitting tribute to their enduring love story.