Dolly Parton is facing one of the hardest moments of her life. On March 3, 2025, her beloved husband, Carl Dean, passed away at the age of 82. After spending nearly 60 years together, Dolly is learning to live without the man who had been by her side since she was a teenager.
A Quiet Man Behind a Legendary Woman
Dolly and Carl’s love story began in the mid-1960s. After two years of dating, they married on May 30, 1966, in Ringgold, Georgia. While Dolly rose to international fame, Carl stayed far from the spotlight. He avoided interviews, never walked red carpets, and didn’t attend Dolly’s concerts or public events. In fact, Carl was only interviewed once during their entire marriage.
But his love for Dolly was never in doubt. And even though he wasn’t seen in public, Dolly made sure people knew how much he meant to her. Over the years, she spoke about him in interviews and dedicated songs to him. Some of her most personal songs, including “Marry Me” and even “Jolene,” were inspired by her husband and their life together.
Their relationship was deeply private, but full of love and laughter—something Dolly always said helped keep them strong for nearly six decades.
Saying Goodbye to Her Greatest Love
When Carl passed away, Dolly shared the heartbreaking news with fans in a short, emotional message on social media:
“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.”
Fans around the world responded with love, support, and messages of comfort. It was clear that even though Carl lived a quiet life, he touched many hearts simply by being Dolly’s partner.
Just eleven days later, Dolly made her first public appearance at the grand opening of her Dollywood theme park. It was a bittersweet day. She smiled for the crowds, but her heart was heavy.
To honor Carl, she also released a brand-new song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There.” In her words, it was a musical love letter to him.
“I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” she said. “We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
A Life Without Carl: “It’s a Big Adjustment”
Two months after Carl’s passing, Dolly opened up even more in an interview with TODAY on May 2, 2025. With tears in her eyes, she admitted how painful it still is to talk about him.
“Oh, you know what, I get very emotional when people bring it up,” she said softly. “We were together 60 years. I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old.”
She explained that being at Dollywood so soon after his passing was incredibly emotional. After the opening day parade, Dolly got into her van and cried for a long time.
“There was just so much love like that,” she recalled. “Right after I had lost Carl and I was just so bottled up with emotion, and I got in the van and just boo-hooed for the longest time.”
Feeling the Love from Fans Around the World
While the pain of losing Carl is still fresh, Dolly has found comfort in the love and support from her fans. She’s received letters, cards, and flowers from every corner of the globe.
“I’m so thankful. I’ve gotten so many cards, letters, flowers, from all over the world,” she said. Then, with a light laugh, she added, “I had no idea Carl Dean was so famous.”
These kind gestures have helped her feel surrounded by love, even in the middle of grief.
Holding On to Love and Memories
After sharing her life with Carl for so long, Dolly says adjusting to life without him has been hard.
“It’s a big adjustment just trying to change patterns and habits,” she admitted. “I’ll do fine, and I’m very involved in my work and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. But I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.”
Dolly Parton has always been known for her strength, kindness, and creativity. Now, as she faces this new chapter of life without Carl, she continues to inspire others with her honesty and grace.
