Dolly Parton is grieving the loss of her cherished husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. Their nearly 60-year marriage was a steadfast and private union that quietly endured amid the sparkle of Parton’s world-famous career.

Dean, who had been living with Alzheimer’s since 2019, spent his final years out of the public view—just as he preferred.

Dolly announced his passing with a heartfelt message, noting that a small, intimate ceremony would be held for family only. The specific cause of death was not made public.

Their love story began in 1964, at a laundromat in Nashville. Dolly was just starting out in music when Dean spotted her, and as she often said, it was “love at first sight.

” They wed in 1966 in a simple ceremony and built a life rooted in loyalty, affection, and deep mutual respect. While Dolly became a global icon, Dean remained comfortably behind the scenes, working as an asphalt contractor and shunning the spotlight.

Dolly often described his reluctance to engage with fame with affection. “He’s a country boy,” she once quipped. “He likes his peace and quiet, and you couldn’t pay him to do an interview.” Behind that quiet exterior, however, was a deeply devoted husband. In 2012, Dolly wrote the heartfelt ballad “From Here to the Moon and Back” in his honor. Four years later, they privately renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary. Around that time, Dolly decided to stop touring, choosing instead to stay close to home and spend more time with Dean.

The couple never had children, but their life together was rich with shared adventures and tender memories. They often took road trips in their RV, visiting national parks, browsing antique shops, and dining at local diners. On these quiet getaways, Dolly would leave behind the wigs and glamour, relishing their anonymity. She often said it was Dean’s dry wit and steady spirit that brought her the most joy.

As Dean’s health worsened from heart problems and high blood pressure, Dolly stepped into the role of devoted caregiver. She rarely spoke of the hardship, but those around her knew how much she sacrificed to be at his side. She scaled back her professional commitments, avoided extended travel, and centered her life around his care. Holidays became especially meaningful, as she poured her energy into making their home festive and joyful, filling it with decorations, music, and warmth. Her private chapel became a place of solace and prayer through the most difficult times.

Though she no longer performed live regularly, Dolly’s love for music endured. She didn’t write songs daily anymore, but when inspiration struck, she still listened. Her 2022 nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inspired her to create a rock album dedicated to Carl—he had always been a fan of the genre. In those later years, her music and faith were twin sources of comfort, especially as Dean’s illness progressed. When he felt well enough, they would still host quiet family gatherings on Christmas Eve—filled with singing, stories, and beloved traditions.

Gone were the extravagant Beverly Hills holiday parties. In their place were peaceful evenings: just Dolly and Carl, the glow of a Christmas tree, the scent of something baking in the oven, and the richness of a shared life. She’d cook his favorite chicken and dumplings or bring out a surprise fruitcake. They’d sit together, sometimes in silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

Dean would often joke that Dolly must truly love him to have stayed all those years. And she did. Whether it was quiet walks when he had the strength or long nights spent in prayer and companionship, she never left his side.

After 58 years of marriage, his passing leaves a deep and lasting ache. Dean is survived by Dolly and his two siblings, but his presence lives on—in her songs, her stories, and in the quiet strength of a love that never sought the spotlight. To the world, she’s a legend. But to Carl Dean, she was just his girl. And to her, he was everything. Though he’s gone, his memory continues to shape her world, present in every quiet pause and every song whispered with love.