Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, dead at 82
Parton met Dean the day she moved to Nashville at 18 years old
Dolly Parton shared that her husband Carl Dean, who she lovingly praised in interviews throughout her career, has died at the age of 82.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” the singer wrote in an Instagram post Monday. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Per the statement, he died on Monday in Nashville and will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family.
During an interview with Bunnie, wife of country artist Jelly Roll, for Country Living, Parton opened up about her nearly six decade-long marriage to Dean. “He’s a good guy. He’s quiet, and I’m loud, and we’re funny. Oh, he’s hilarious. And I think one of the things that’s made it last so long through the years is that we love each other, we respect each other, but we have a lot of fun,” said Parton. “Anytime things get too much tension going on, either one of us find a joke about it.”
In November 2021, Parton shared a photo of her and Dean from when they were younger, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
“He was a homebody, and that worked well for us. He was in asphalt paving…He’s Cancer, and I’m Capricorn, and those are compatible signs,” Parton told Bunnie, explaining how their personalities balanced one another.
Dean has long been a subject of Parton fans throughout her illustrious career, with many noting his rare appearances on the red carpet and media photographs. During her Country Living interview, Parton said that Dean wasn’t a big fan of big events and that one time she had to beg him to attend the 1967 BMI Awards with her. She recalled him saying at the time, “‘Look, I want you to do anything you want to do, but never ask me to go to another one of things again.’ And he never did.”
She added, “He’s just special to me, and I just love him like he is.”