Country music legend Dolly Parton has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3rd at the age of 82. The private man kept a low profile throughout their 56-year marriage, rarely attending public events and sharing only a handful of photos with his wife.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1942, Dean was raised by his parents, Virginia “Ginny” Bates Dean and Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean. Parton has spoken fondly of her late husband, describing him as a good man with a great sense of humor. In a 2016 interview, Dean shared that he knew from their first meeting in 1964 outside a laundromat that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Parton.
The couple married in 1966 and maintained a private relationship, supporting each other’s careers while keeping their personal lives out of the spotlight. Despite being one of the most iconic country singers of all time, Parton has always credited her husband as her biggest fan behind the scenes.
Parton wrote that Dean was “the one man in my life” who never got jealous, even when she donned a sexy image in the 1980s. She revealed that he had a passion for buying and reselling trucks and tractors and enjoyed his freedom. The couple shared occasional photos on social media, with Parton saying that Dean’s sense of humor was “warped” and made her laugh.
Their enduring love has been attributed to their differences, which Parton said were what made it “fun.” In a 2015 interview, she explained that they were “completely opposite,” but that opposites attract. The couple renewed their wedding vows in 2016 and have continued to enjoy each other’s company on small trips and picnics.
Parton has shared stories of her late husband’s thoughtful gestures, such as bringing her yellow daffodils with poems attached, which she finds “priceless.” She has credited their simple but easy life together as the key to their long-lasting love. Dean is survived by his wife Dolly Parton and siblings.
Source: https://people.com/carl-dean-dead-dolly-parton-husband-dies-at-82-8741506