Carl Dean, the devoted husband of country music legend Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82.
Reports confirm that Dean took his final breath in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 3. His wife, Dolly Parton, now 79, released a heartfelt statement expressing the depth of their bond, saying that words could never truly capture the love they shared.
The couple, who spent nearly six decades together in marriage, reaffirmed their vows nine years ago, having originally wed in May 1966.
Following the heartbreaking news of Dean’s passing, Parton shared an emotional message with the public: “Carl and I built a beautiful life together. For more than 60 years, our love was steadfast and deep. There are no words to describe what he meant to me. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support during this time.”
The family has requested privacy as they grieve, with reports indicating that Dean’s funeral service will be a private affair attended only by his closest loved ones.
Although the couple never had children, their unwavering commitment to one another remained a cornerstone of their relationship. Despite the immense demands of fame, their bond endured, proving to be one of the most remarkable love stories in the entertainment world.
Some sad news…
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of 58 years, has died.
He was 82.
“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.” pic.twitter.com/8D4kpXswbK
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 4, 2025
In a candid discussion on the Dumb Blonde podcast last year, Parton reminisced about how Dean had always been supportive of her music career but preferred to remain out of the public eye.
“He told me, ‘I want you to chase your dreams and be everything you want to be. But don’t expect me to be part of that world because I won’t be.’ And he never changed his mind,” she recalled. “He loves music, but he never wanted to be in the spotlight.”
The couple’s love story began in 1964 outside a laundromat in Nashville, where an 18-year-old Parton caught the attention of 21-year-old Dean as he drove by in his truck. She later recounted to The New York Times in 1976 that he playfully called out to her, sparking a romance that would last a lifetime. While Parton went on to become a global music icon, Dean remained dedicated to his work in the road-paving business, always supporting her from behind the scenes.
Carl Dean’s passing marks the end of a love story that stood the test of time. May he rest in peace.