Julius Okorie
Iconic American singer and songwriter, Dolly Parton, has only fun memories to recall in her 60 years marriage to husband Carl Thomas Dean who passed on Monday, at 82 in Nashville.
Dolly Parton 79, described their six decade of marriage as “wonderful years together”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDolly met Carl at age 18 when she moved to Nashville, while she was doing her washing in a laundromat. They married two years later, on Memorial Day 30 May, 1966, in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
While Dolly Parton had no problem with stardom, Dean was completely private from day one, yet both blended well and enjoyed the best of their union.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years “said Dolly.
The multiple award winner, announced the passing of her husband on her Instagram in the early hours of March 4, 2025 stating that Carl passed day before.
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“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie. 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. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time,”she posted.
Dolly has said of her famously private beau that she met him the day she moved to Nashville in 1964 just outside of a laundromat. In her typical jovial fashion, she told the New York Times, “I’d come to Nashville with dirty clothes.” Dean admitted he saw her and knew he’d marry her one day. They dated for two years before getting married in May of 1966.
While Dolly Parton soared to super stardom, Dean has remained somewhat of a mystery to the public, only having ever attended one public event with his wife.
The limelight was not for him and Parton was just fine with that, as she explained in an episode of What Would Dolly Do? Radio, on Apple Music 1. “He’s very honest. We have such a great relationship. I know not to ask him if I don’t want an honest answer.”
Fans will recognise Carl as the muse behind one of Dolly’s biggest hits, Jolene. Speaking about the woman who inspired the song, Dolly shared: “She got this terrible crush on my husband. And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention.
“It was kinda like a running joke between us – when I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’ So it’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”
Fans, followers and celebrities have taken to Dolly’s comment section with condolence messages and goodwill.
Khloe Kardashian wrote, “Oh my heart! I am so sorry for your loss! My heart aches for you! My deepest condolences. ❤️🩹praying for you and sending you love and prayers 😖”
I’m so sorry Dolly. I love you.
I am so so sorry for your loss Dolly. I’m glad you’ve got to have so many wonderful years with him and I’m sorry you couldn’t have more.
Dear Dolly! I’m sending you my blessings. It was such an honour to have worked with you in your movie Mountain Magic Christmas. May Carl rest in peace. Lots of love. ❤️
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
