Carl Dean, the beloved husband of country music icon Dolly Parton for 58 years, passed away peacefully on March 3 at the age of 82.
In a touching tribute, Dolly opened up about the profound loss, sharing how she’s learning to navigate life without the man who had been by her side for nearly six decades. “I’m still trying to figure out how to be without him,” she said, her words filled with both sorrow and love.
Though her heart aches, Dolly finds comfort in knowing Carl is finally at peace. “I’m so happy that he’s at rest,” she reflected, “but I will miss him forever.”
Dolly Parton Remembers the Love of Her Life
Dolly Parton, the legendary “Jolene” singer, opened up in a heartfelt interview with Entertainment Tonight on May 21 about life after the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, her partner of nearly 60 years, who passed away earlier this year.
“Of course I miss him,” the 79-year-old star shared candidly. “I’m really having to go through a lot, trying to figure out how to be without him because we were together for so long.”
She added with quiet strength, “I’m holding up. I’m doing as well as one can after 60 years of loving and being with somebody.”
To honor Carl’s memory, Dolly released a touching new song titled If You Hadn’t Been There. “When Carl passed away, I thought, ‘I gotta do something,’ so I put that song out as a tribute to him,” she revealed.
Reflecting on the bittersweet nature of grief, Dolly spoke with deep emotion: “He did suffer a lot in his final years, and part of me is happy he’s finally at peace and at rest. But there’s another part of me that will miss him forever and long for him every single day — for the rest of my life, I’m sure.”
Dolly also expressed her gratitude to fans worldwide, thanking them for their outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. “I couldn’t believe the amount of flowers, cards, and phone calls,” she said.
Carl Dean’s passing was announced by Dolly on March 3 via Instagram:
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”
She added, “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. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Dolly and Carl’s love story began in 1964 when they met outside a Nashville laundromat. They married two years later, building a private, enduring bond despite Dolly’s immense fame. Carl remained a steadfast presence behind the scenes, rarely stepping into the spotlight.
In a rare public tribute, Carl once told Entertainment Tonight in 2016 about meeting Dolly:
“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’ My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for anything on this earth.”
Carl Dean, the beloved husband of country music icon Dolly Parton for 58 years, passed away peacefully on March 3 at the age of 82.
In a touching tribute, Dolly opened up about the profound loss, sharing how she’s learning to navigate life without the man who had been by her side for nearly six decades. “I’m still trying to figure out how to be without him,” she said, her words filled with both sorrow and love.
Though her heart aches, Dolly finds comfort in knowing Carl is finally at peace. “I’m so happy that he’s at rest,” she reflected, “but I will miss him forever.”
Dolly Parton Remembers the Love of Her Life
Dolly Parton, the legendary “Jolene” singer, opened up in a heartfelt interview with Entertainment Tonight on May 21 about life after the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, her partner of nearly 60 years, who passed away earlier this year.
“Of course I miss him,” the 79-year-old star shared candidly. “I’m really having to go through a lot, trying to figure out how to be without him because we were together for so long.”
She added with quiet strength, “I’m holding up. I’m doing as well as one can after 60 years of loving and being with somebody.”
To honor Carl’s memory, Dolly released a touching new song titled If You Hadn’t Been There. “When Carl passed away, I thought, ‘I gotta do something,’ so I put that song out as a tribute to him,” she revealed.
Reflecting on the bittersweet nature of grief, Dolly spoke with deep emotion: “He did suffer a lot in his final years, and part of me is happy he’s finally at peace and at rest. But there’s another part of me that will miss him forever and long for him every single day — for the rest of my life, I’m sure.”
Dolly also expressed her gratitude to fans worldwide, thanking them for their outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. “I couldn’t believe the amount of flowers, cards, and phone calls,” she said.
Carl Dean’s passing was announced by Dolly on March 3 via Instagram:
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”
She added, “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. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Dolly and Carl’s love story began in 1964 when they met outside a Nashville laundromat. They married two years later, building a private, enduring bond despite Dolly’s immense fame. Carl remained a steadfast presence behind the scenes, rarely stepping into the spotlight.
In a rare public tribute, Carl once told Entertainment Tonight in 2016 about meeting Dolly:
“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’ My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for anything on this earth.”
