Dolly Parton mourns the passing of her husband after nearly 60 years together.

Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean Passes Away

Dolly Parton, the renowned country music star, faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in Nashville. They were married in a secret ceremony when Dolly was only 20 years old. In a heartfelt statement, Dolly expressed, "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."

Their Special Love Story

Dolly and Carl’s love story began in 1964, when they met outside a laundromat called Wishy Washy in Nashville. At that time, Dolly was just 18 years old, and she was new to the city, hoping to pursue her dreams in music. Of their first encounter, Dolly once said, "I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about."

This sparked the beginning of a beautiful relationship that lasted for over six decades.

A Secret Wedding

Parton’s record label had asked her to wait before tying the knot, but love prevailed, and she and Carl married in May 1966 in a very private ceremony. Only Dolly’s mother, the preacher, and his wife were there to witness their vows. To keep things under wraps, they chose a location out of state to avoid local media attention. Dolly has humorously remarked in the past that some people doubted Carl’s existence, believing he was just a figment of her imagination to shield her from other suitors.

Inspiration Behind "Jolene"

Interestingly, Carl Dean was also the inspiration for one of Dolly’s biggest hits, the song "Jolene." The story goes that Dolly wrote the song after noticing a flirty bank clerk who seemed overly interested in Carl. Dolly recounted, “She got this terrible crush on my husband,” during a 2008 interview. Carl loved going to the bank simply because the clerk paid him a lot of attention. Dolly described it as a funny and innocent situation that turned into a classic song.

Carl Dean’s Quiet Life

Despite being married to a global superstar, Carl Dean preferred to live a private life away from the public eye. He operated a paving business and was rarely seen accompanying Dolly to events. This choice allowed them to have a more normal life together. Dolly often spoke about Carl in interviews, shedding light on their special bond without revealing too much about his personal life.

“Many people say there’s no Carl Dean, that he’s just somebody I made up to keep other people off me,” Dolly once joked during an interview.

Life Together

Though they never had children, the couple lived a devoted life together. Dolly emphasized that their relationship was built on mutual respect and love. Over the years, they shared countless memories, laughter, and adventures. Dolly has always credited Carl with providing her the support she needed to achieve her dreams in the music industry.

Carl is survived by his brother and sister, who were close to him throughout his life.

A Final Tribute

Dolly Parton, who is now 78 years old, has left a lasting mark on country music and billions of hearts around the globe. The love story she shared with Carl Dean resonates with many fans, reminding us of the beauty of true love. As she goes through this difficult time, the fans and friends of Dolly Parton continue to send their prayers and support her way.

With the memories and the song inspired by their love, Carl Dean remains a cherished part of Dolly Parton’s life and music. His impact on her career and personal life will forever be remembered. Parton’s legacy, alongside the love story of Carl and Dolly, serves as a reminder of devotion, support, and the power of love through the years.