Dolly Parton, the iconic country music artist, is in mourning after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on Monday at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee. The couple shared a nearly 60-year marriage marked by deep love and mutual respect, as highlighted in a heartfelt social media statement by Parton. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” she shared.
The couple's love story began on a chance encounter outside a laundromat when a young Parton arrived in Nashville at 18, hoping to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer. Parton fondly remembered that Dean, who captivated her with his genuine interest, seemed truly engaged in knowing who she was. The couple exchanged vows two years later on May 30, 1966, in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
While Dean chose to stay out of the public eye during their marriage, dedicating his time to running his asphalt-paving business, he was nonetheless a significant source of inspiration for Parton's innovative music. Most notably, his presence and experiences influenced the writing of her beloved song "Jolene." Parton recounted that the song was inspired by a bank teller who developed a crush on Dean, making their playful banter about Dean’s frequent visits to the bank a source of light-hearted jest between them.
Despite the couple's deep bond, the mystery surrounding Dean’s character led to bizarre rumors suggesting he didn’t exist, a notion Parton humorously addressed in a 1984 interview. “A lot of people say there's no Carl Dean, that he's just somebody I made up to keep other people off me,” she quipped.
Together, they chose not to have children. Carl Dean is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie, as mentioned in Parton's statement, underscoring a life characterized by both enduring love and the admiration of those who knew him.
