Dolly Parton shared the heartbreaking news of her husband Carl Dean’s passing through social media, releasing an official statement:
“Carl Dean, beloved husband of Dolly Parton, passed away on March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. A private funeral service will be held with only immediate family in attendance. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
‘Carl and I shared a lifetime of beautiful memories together. No words can truly capture the depth of our love over these past 60 years. I appreciate all your prayers and support during this time.’
The family has requested privacy as they navigate this loss.”
A Love Story Unlike Any Other
Dolly and Carl’s relationship was one of country music’s most enduring love stories, lasting nearly 59 years. Unlike most high-profile country couples, Carl preferred to stay out of the public eye. In fact, even major stars like Reba McEntire never had the chance to meet him. Despite Dolly’s worldwide fame, they managed to maintain a strong and private marriage right up until his passing.
How They First Met
Dolly and Carl’s love story began not long after she arrived in Nashville, with nothing but a suitcase full of unwashed clothes. She planned to stay with her uncle, Bill Owens, until she found her footing in the city. But fate had other plans. Their paths first crossed outside the Wishy Washy laundromat, where Carl made quite the first impression.
As Dolly recounted, Carl drove into the laundromat parking lot in his white ’59 or ’60 Chevrolet while she was washing her clothes.
“I grabbed an RC Cola and stepped outside to take in the sights of Nashville. As I walked along the sidewalk, this boy drove by and flirted with me. Growing up in the country, I was used to everyone being friendly, so I smiled and waved back. I didn’t realize that wasn’t something you did just anywhere.”
Carl, determined to catch her attention, circled the block and passed by again, eventually stopping to warn her that she might get sunburned. That’s when he finally got out of his car to introduce himself and ask where she was from.
“I told him I was from Knoxville because I figured he wouldn’t know where Sevierville was. He still teases me about how I said it, like I was being all fancy or something,” she laughed.
Love at First Sight
In a rare 2016 interview—the only one Carl ever gave—he reflected on that moment, sharing his initial thoughts when he first saw Dolly:
“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’ My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s beautiful.’ And that was the day my life truly began.”
A Unique First Date
Carl wasted no time in asking Dolly out, but she initially declined. Instead, she suggested he visit her uncle’s house the next day while she babysat. Not the most romantic setting, but Carl showed up anyway.
“He came over, and we sat in the yard and talked. But I still wouldn’t go on a date with him for a few more days.”
When she finally agreed, Carl made a bold move—he took her straight to meet his parents.
“The first place he took me when we went out was his parents’ house, and that actually made me feel a lot better about him.”
It was a different time, but even back then, taking someone to meet your family on the first date was a big deal!
A Marriage That Stood the Test of Time
Carl ran an asphalt business for many years, and while Dolly spent much of her career touring the world, they found a way to make their marriage work. She has often said that their time apart only made them appreciate each other more.
But if you ask Dolly, the real key to their marriage was their shared sense of humor.
“We both have a warped sense of humor. And honestly, that’s one of the best things in a marriage. Even when things get tough, if you can laugh together, you’ll get through it.”
And when a certain red-haired woman named “Jolene” threatened to shake things up, Dolly made sure Carl knew where she stood:
“I told him, ‘You better be talking to one of those boys, or it’s gonna be your a** and your fault! So there’s your asphalt!’”
That classic Dolly wit never fails!
A Love That Transcended Fame
In a recent interview with E! News, Dolly reflected on what made their love so special—Carl loved her for who she was, not for the star she became.
“To have someone who truly knows and loves you—not for your fame, not for what the world thinks you are, but for you—that’s an incredible gift. Carl fell in love with me before I ever became a star.
Someone once asked him, ‘What’s it like being married to a superstar?’ He just laughed and said, ‘I didn’t know I was.’ To him, I’m just Dolly.”
Through all of life’s ups and downs, they stood by each other. Losing Carl is undoubtedly a heartbreaking moment for Dolly and those who loved him.
Sending prayers to Dolly and her family. Rest in peace, Carl Dean.
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