Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s friendship has spanned nearly five decades. Despite this long-standing bond, there’s one person in Dolly’s life who remains a mystery to Reba—her husband, Carl Dean. Known for staying out of the public eye, Carl Dean has rarely been seen alongside Dolly, making him one of the most private figures in the entertainment world.
During a recent conversation on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, Reba opened up about her friendship with Dolly and the fact that she’s never actually met Carl, Dolly’s husband of 58 years. The topic came up when host Andy Cohen asked Reba if she’d ever had a chance to try any of Dolly’s cooking, which led to the surprising revelation that Reba hasn’t even been to Dolly’s house.
“I don’t know; I’ve never had her food,” Reba admitted. “And believe it or not, I haven’t even been to her house.” When Cohen pressed further, asking if she’d met Carl, Reba confessed that she hadn’t.
>>READ ALSO: The Charming Romance of Reba McEntire and Rex Linn
“People really do swear he exists,” Cohen joked, sparking laughter from Reba, who responded, “Yeah, I just saw something the other day about them going back to where they got married.”
The Mystery of Carl Dean
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s relationship has fascinated fans for years. The two were married on May 30, 1966, and while Dolly has built one of the most public careers in country music, Carl has chosen a life of complete privacy. He’s made only a few appearances in public over the years, preferring to keep his life separate from Dolly’s fame.
Dolly has often explained that this arrangement works perfectly for them, as Carl doesn’t enjoy the spotlight and values his privacy. In a 2016 interview, Dolly told CBN News, “God knew I was going to need somebody like him if I was going to be doing all this crazy stuff. But He knew Carl needed someone like me, too, since he’s more of a loner.”
How Their Relationship Works
Despite his low profile, Carl is a constant in Dolly’s life, and they share a deep connection built on trust and respect. While Dolly travels the world and performs for millions of fans, Carl remains a steady presence at home, offering her a sense of normalcy and stability. Dolly has noted that Carl’s secure nature has been a key reason their marriage has lasted so long.
>>READ ALSO: Here’s Why Dolly Parton Doesn’t Wear Her Wedding Ring
“He understands me, he gets me. He’s very secure within himself,” Dolly shared in an interview with Parade. She added that Carl’s lack of jealousy has been essential to their happiness. “He says, ‘I’d feel less about any man that didn’t fall in love with you,’” she recalled, reflecting on his humor and confidence.
Reba’s Curiosity About Carl
For Reba, who’s been in the entertainment industry for decades and understands the pressures of fame, Dolly and Carl’s relationship is a unique case. Reba’s admiration for Dolly is evident, and while she may never have the chance to meet the mysterious Carl Dean, she respects the privacy he’s chosen. In her eyes, Dolly’s long-lasting marriage only adds to the mystique that surrounds her friend.
Although Reba may never get a face-to-face introduction with Carl, she’s come to appreciate the strong but private bond Dolly and Carl share. This friendship between two of country music’s biggest stars continues to endure, even with a few mysteries along the way.
