The country music legend and her husband, who inspired some of her hit songs like “Jolene,” had been married for close to six decades.
Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82 in Nashville on March 3, 2025.
After nearly 60 years of marriage, Parton has said goodbye to her longtime love, Dean. The singer shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram. In her emotional statement, Parton reflected on their decades together, “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.”
Dean, known for his low-key nature despite his wife’s worldwide fame, will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by immediate family. He is survived by Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
The family, who has not shared Dean’s cause of death, has requested privacy during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of a man who remained a steadfast presence in Parton’s life since their wedding in 1966
