Carl Dean, businessman and longtime husband to country music goddess Dolly Parton, has passed away.
According to reports, Dean, 82, passed away in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, yesterday (March 3). Parton, 79, issued an emotional statement detailing how โwords canโt do justice to the loveโ the couple shared.
The pair, married for almost 60 years, renewed their wedding vows nine years ago having initially tied the knot back in May of 1966.
Followingย newsย of Deanโs passing being made public,ย Partonย released the following statement: โCarl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words canโt do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.โ
Meanwhile, their family have also asked for โprivacy during this difficult timeโ. According to reports, Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by his immediate family.
Though the couple never had children, Dean and Partonโs commitment to one another was legendary. Despite the rigors of the music industry, as well as the inevitable strain that comes with being as famous as Dolly is, the two lovebirds stuck by one another for over six decades.
During an appearance on theย Dumb Blondeย podcast last year, Parton explained that Dean outlined early on that he had no problem with his wife pursuing a career in music, but that he wanted no part of the spotlight himself.
Parton revealed on the podcast: โHe said, โLook, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but donโt ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ainโt going,โ and he never did.โ
She added: โHe loves music, but heโs not the least bit interested in being in it. And he told me that right up front.โ
As for the origins of their love story, itโs said that Dean and Parton met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee in 1964. Parton was 18 and Dean was 21. Sparks flew as Dean drove past in his pickup truck when he saw Parton outside and โholleredโ at her, she divulged to The New York Times in 1976.
Some sad newsโฆ
Carl Dean, Dolly Partonโs husband of 58 years, has died.
He was 82.
โCarl 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.” pic.twitter.com/8D4kpXswbK
โ Yashar Ali ๐ (@yashar) March 4, 2025
Throughout Partonโs rise to superstardom, her husband supported her behind the scenes while maintaining a road-paving business.
Rest in peace, Carl Dean.
