Carl Dean, Dolly Parton‘s little-seen but often talked-about husband of six decades, has died, the singer announced Monday on social media. He was…

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton‘s little-seen but often talked-about husband of six decades, has died, the singer announced Monday on social media. He was 82.

March 3, 2025 – It is with great sadness that country music legend Dolly Parton has announced the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, at the age of 82.

The couple, who had been married for nearly six decades, shared an enduring love story that touched the hearts of many fans.

Parton shared the heartbreaking news on social media Monday, expressing her deep sorrow and honoring the memory of the man who was by her side through thick and thin.

Carl and Dolly’s love story began in 1966 when they met in Nashville. Parton, who had moved to the city to pursue a career in music, met Carl at a laundromat. Their connection was instant, and they quickly became inseparable.

Despite Dolly’s rising fame and the constant media attention that came with her stardom, Carl maintained a low profile, rarely appearing in public or in photos with his wife.

Their relationship was built on a foundation of mutual respect, love, and privacy.

The couple married on May 30, 1966, in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Over the years, Carl and Dolly built a life together filled with laughter, love, and shared experiences.

Though they rarely shared the details of their life together with the public, Dolly often spoke about Carl in interviews, describing him as her rock and the person who kept her grounded.

Dolly Parton paid tribute to her late husband in an emotional statement shared with fans on social media. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she wrote.

“Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy during this difficult time.”

Her tribute to Carl was a reflection of the deep love and connection they shared throughout their marriage.

Dolly often spoke of Carl’s support for her career and personal life, crediting him with helping her maintain balance in the chaotic world of fame.

In interviews, Dolly frequently referred to Carl as her best friend, her greatest supporter, and the love of her life.

Although Dolly Parton’s career has been in the public eye for decades, Carl Dean intentionally remained out of the spotlight.

He was a businessman who kept a low profile and rarely made public appearances. In fact, the couple’s private life was so well-guarded that very few photos of the two together exist.

Dolly has always respected Carl’s wishes for privacy and has rarely shared personal details about their life together.

While Carl’s presence was not often seen, Dolly made it clear how essential he was to her success. She once said, “Behind every great woman is a great man,” and Carl was undoubtedly her greatest support system.

Despite the public’s curiosity about their relationship, Dolly and Carl maintained a strong, unshakable bond built on trust and mutual respect.

Carl Dean’s passing marks the end of an era for Dolly Parton, who has been open about how much her husband meant to her. Their relationship served as a beacon of love and stability in an often unpredictable industry.

For fans who have followed Dolly’s career and admired her music, Carl Dean’s role in her life was always evident, even if he was not in the public eye.

Their love story was a rare example of a long-lasting, deeply committed marriage in the entertainment world, where relationships are often scrutinized and short-lived. Despite the pressures of fame, Carl and Dolly’s bond never wavered.

They found joy in the simple moments together, away from the media frenzy, and their enduring commitment to each other remains an inspiration to many.