Country music legend Dolly Parton is paying tribute to her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82. The couple, married for almost 60 years, was known for their private and low-key lifestyle, which often led to speculation about Dean’s existence.
Parton met Dean in Nashville in 1964, and they fell deeply in love. Despite her fame as a singer and songwriter, Dean remained out of the spotlight, content with supporting his wife from behind the scenes. Parton has often praised Dean for being her rock, saying he has “a great sense of humor” and that they are “best buddies and best friends.”
The couple never had children together, which Parton has said she doesn’t regret. In fact, she feels grateful to have had the opportunity to devote more time and energy to her family, including five younger siblings who lived with them for many years.
Parton and Dean’s love story is one of simplicity and devotion. They met by chance at a laundromat in Nashville, but it was their first meeting on her aunt’s porch that marked the beginning of their lifelong partnership. Dean has spoken fondly of Parton, saying he knew from the moment he saw her that she was “the one” he wanted to spend his life with.
The couple renewed their vows in 2016 to celebrate their 50th anniversary and have remained close ever since. As news of Dean’s passing spreads, fans and friends are taking to social media to pay tribute to this remarkable man who loved and supported Dolly Parton for six decades.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/04/entertainment/dolly-parton-carl-dean-marriage/index.html