Dolly Parton has shared heartfelt memories of her late husband Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. The country music legend, now 79, openly expressed her grief and the enduring love she has for Dean, with whom she was married for nearly 60 years.
In her first public appearance following his death, which coincided with the opening of Dollywood's 40th season on March 14, Parton surprised fans by stating, "I will always love him, and I miss him." This poignant acknowledgment was made as she thanked the crowd for their support during a challenging time. Parton, who admitted to crying frequently since Dean's passing, also said, "I need to laugh. I need some fun, so I'm probably gonna be stupid."
During an interview with Knox News published on March 17, Parton reflected on the depth of their relationship. "I'm doing better than I thought I would," she confessed. Having been together for over six decades, she recognized the challenge of relearning aspects of her life without him. "I've been with him 60 years. So, I'm going to have to relearn some of the things that we've done. But I'll keep him always close," she shared.
Parton candidly noted that Dean had "suffered a great deal" leading up to his death, a sentiment that highlights the emotional burden she bears. "I'm at peace that he's at peace, but that don't keep me from missing him and loving him," she added poignantly. It’s evident that Parton sees their love as a continued force in her life, stating, "It's a hole in my heart, you know, but we'll fill that up with good stuff and he'll still always be with me."
Their love story began in 1964, when she was just 18 years old and newly arrived in Nashville. The couple met unexpectedly at a laundromat when Dean, driving by, playfully warned her about getting sunburnt. Their chemistry was immediate, but they took their time getting to know each other. They married in a private ceremony on May 30, 1966, in Ringgold, Georgia, opting for a low-key celebration to avoid media attention.
Dean, known for his privacy, rarely attended events where cameras would capture their moments together. However, Parton recounted that he would sometimes visit Dollywood, showing up to buy tickets just like any other patron, refusing to take advantage of his wife's fame. "He didn't want somebody giving him a ticket 'cause he was Dolly's husband," she explained with a smile.
Throughout their decades together, Parton and Dean forged a life defined by mutual support and affection. She fondly recounted how he would often visit Dollywood and offer constructive feedback. "He would say, 'You need more bathrooms,' or 'You might want to bring this to their attention,'" she recalled, expressing her appreciation for his insights, which showcased his thoughtfulness.
On March 6, shortly after Dean's passing, Parton shared a heartfelt message via social media, thanking fans for their outpouring of support, which included messages, cards, and flowers honoring her late husband. In it, she assured her followers, "He is in God's arms now and I am okay with that."
Reflecting on her success as a singer and songwriter, Parton has always cherished her partnership with Dean. Their vow renewal on their 50th anniversary was a testament to their lasting love. She wore a gown of her dreams, reflecting on how Dean cleaned up nicely in his formal attire on that special occasion. During that renewal, she penned a song titled “Forever Love,” which further illustrated the depth of their bond.
Despite the absence of children, who they had once contemplated having, Parton found fulfillment in nurturing her extended family, saying, "Aren't you glad we didn't have kids? Now we don't have kids to worry about." This sentiment reflected her belief in focusing on their relationship and each other, especially as they grew older.
In interviews, Parton emphasizes the role of simple pleasures in their marriage, such as spontaneous road trips in their RV or late-night grocery shopping trips where they could remain out of the spotlight. She shared that their ideal day often involved walking, talking, and spending quality time with one another.
As Parton continues to navigate this new chapter in her life, she remains grateful for the public’s support. Along with reliving sweet memories of Dean through her music and stories, she looks forward to keeping his spirit close as she embarks on new projects at Dollywood and beyond.
In the wake of her loss, one thing remains clear: the love that Dolly Parton and Carl Dean shared will always resonate in her heart and in her enduring legacy as a country music icon.
