Dolly Parton Mourns the Loss of Her Husband, Carl Dean, After 60 Years of Marriage

Dolly Parton, the iconic American singer-songwriter renowned for hits like “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors,” just lost her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The couple’s enduring love story began in 1964 when they met outside a Nashville laundromat on Parton’s first day in the city. They married two years later, on May 30, 1966, in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.

Despite Parton’s rising fame, Dean chose to remain out of the public eye, focusing on his asphalt-paving business and supporting his wife’s illustrious career from behind the scenes.

Their nearly six-decade-long marriage was marked by mutual respect and deep affection. Dean’s preference for privacy led to few public appearances, yet his influence on Parton’s music was profound. He notably inspired her timeless hit “Jolene,” a song born from his lighthearted flirtation with a red-haired bank teller, which sparked Parton’s playful jealousy.

In her heartfelt Instagram announcement, Parton expressed, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” She thanked fans for their prayers and sympathy, requesting privacy during this difficult time.

Dean is survived by siblings, Sandra and Donnie. A private funeral ceremony has been planned planned, reflecting his lifelong aversion to the spotlight.

Fans and fellow artists have flooded social media with condolences, honoring Dean’s memory and the couple’s remarkable partnership. Their enduring love serves as a testament to a bond that thrived beyond the public eye, inspiring many through its authenticity and strength.

As Dolly Parton comes to term with this profound loss, the world stands with her, offering support and reflecting on the love story that quietly supported her legendary career.