Dolly Parton is grieving the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3 at the age of 82, after nearly 59 years of marriage. 

Carl, who was known for his private nature, was not just a husband but also Dolly’s greatest supporter and champion throughout their long, love-filled journey together.

Stella Parton, Dolly’s younger sister, shared a heartfelt message on social media on behalf of the family, 

acknowledging the sadness of the moment and offering thanks for the support from fans and loved ones. 

“On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family, and Carl’s family, we appreciate your prayers at this time,” Stella wrote on X (formerly Twitter), showing solidarity during the family’s time of loss.

Dolly’s team confirmed the news of Carl’s passing with a statement that read, “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82.” 

It was also shared that Carl would be laid to rest in a private ceremony, with only immediate family in attendance. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.

In a statement of her own, Dolly expressed the deep bond she shared with Carl, saying, “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.” She also requested privacy during this difficult time, asking that the family be given space to mourn their loss.

Dolly and Carl’s love story is one that has stood the test of time. The couple met in 1964 by chance outside of a laundromat in Nashville, the same day Dolly arrived in the city to pursue her dream of becoming a country music star. Dolly was just 18 at the time, and Carl, three years her senior, was already a quiet, private figure. Despite their differences, the pair quickly formed a deep connection, and two years later, they married in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, with only Dolly’s mother present.

Their union was a cornerstone of Dolly’s life, supporting her both personally and professionally as she became one of the most iconic figures in country music. In 1967, shortly after their wedding, Dolly released her debut studio album, Hello, I’m Dolly, which became a hit on the country charts.

Throughout their marriage, Carl remained largely out of the spotlight, preferring a quiet life at home. In previous interviews, Dolly shared that their communication and mutual respect were key to their enduring relationship. “I think I’ve talked pretty much about everything through the years with Carl, and we’re different people. But we just work so well together,” she once explained in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. She added that while Carl was not one to socialize much, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as caring for their farm.

Carl’s love for solitude and his preference for a private life meant that he never sought fame or attention, despite being married to one of the most famous women in the world. Dolly fondly recalled how Carl loved spending time at their farm, working on the property, and talking about their respective worlds—hers filled with music and fame, and his with the quiet joy of farm life. Despite their different careers, the couple found harmony in their differences, maintaining a strong bond based on love, respect, and shared humor.

“Carl loves music, but he’s not in the music business at all, so we have different things to talk about,” Dolly shared. “But we work really well together. We have a lot of love and respect for each other, and I think the key to all of it—we both have a crazy, warped sense of humor, so we have a lot of fun.” Their ability to laugh together was a vital part of their relationship, providing lightness even in the toughest of times.

As Dolly navigates this heartbreaking loss, fans and loved ones continue to offer their condolences and support. Carl’s passing marks the end of an era for Dolly, who has now lost the man who stood by her side for over six decades. Though Carl’s presence will be missed, Dolly’s love for him will remain forever in her heart, and his memory will continue to live on through the enduring love they shared.

In the wake of Carl Dean’s passing, Dolly Parton and her family are asking for privacy, allowing them the time and space to mourn the loss of a husband, brother, and friend who was, in many ways, the quiet force behind Dolly’s iconic career and life.

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