Dolly Parton’s Husband, Carl Dean, Passes Away at 82
Carl Dean, the husband of legendary country singer Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82. Parton announced his death on Monday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of her beloved partner after nearly 60 years of marriage.
The iconic singer shared the news in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), saying,
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean met in 1964 outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee, on the very day she moved to the city to pursue her music career. She was 18 years old, and he was 21. The “Jolene” singer recalled how different he was from other men, noting that he looked directly at her face while they spoke, something she found rare at the time.
Their love blossomed, and they tied the knot in May 1966 in a quiet ceremony attended only by Parton’s mother, the preacher, and his wife. Despite her massive success, Carl Dean remained out of the spotlight throughout their marriage, preferring a simple and private life.
Dean worked as an asphalt paver while his wife became one of the biggest names in country music, earning the title “Queen of Country”. Even as her fame grew, the couple cherished their quiet life together. In a 2015 interview with People magazine, Parton shared,
“We like to get out in our little RV and just be simple. I love to read, I love to cook, I love to be with my husband.”
Although they never had children, their love remained strong over the decades.
Carl Dean was born in 1942 to Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean and Virginia “Ginny” Bates, whom Parton affectionately called Mama Dean and considered her best friend. He is survived by his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
