Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3 at the age of 82. The country music legend shared her heartfelt thoughts in an emotional Instagram post, thanking her family, friends, and fans for their support during this difficult time.
In her message, the 79-year-old singer expressed her gratitude for the cards, messages, and flowers she received in honor of Carl. She acknowledged the challenge of responding to everyone personally but reassured them that their kindness meant a lot to her. Parton reflected on their long-lasting love, saying, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” a touching nod to her famous song, “I Will Always Love You.”
The news of Dean’s passing was shared a few days prior on her social media, which also mentioned that he would be laid to rest in a private ceremony. Parton reminisced about their 60 years together, stating, “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Dolly and Carl’s love story began when they met in Nashville shortly after she moved there at 18. They crossed paths outside a laundromat, and Parton was struck by how he seemed genuinely interested in her. Just two years later, they married in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, on May 30, 1966.
While Parton rose to fame in the music industry, Dean preferred to stay out of the spotlight, supporting her from behind the scenes. Interestingly, he even inspired one of her iconic songs, “Jolene.” Parton once shared a humorous story about a bank teller who had a crush on Dean, which led to playful banter between the couple.
As Parton navigates this painful loss, she continues to cherish the memories of their life together, celebrating the deep bond they shared.