Renowned country music artist Dolly Parton is grieving the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee. Parton shared the news through a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing the deep love and joy they experienced over their nearly 60 years of marriage.
Parton reminisced about their first encounter when she was an 18-year-old newcomer to Nashville, recalling how Dean’s genuine interest in her stood out. The couple married on May 30, 1966, in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Despite Parton's fame, Dean maintained a low profile, choosing to run his asphalt-paving business while often inspiring her music, notably the iconic song "Jolene," which was influenced by a bank teller's crush on him.
Their relationship sparked curiosity, with some questioning Dean's existence, to which Parton humorously responded over the years. The couple, who had no children, leaves behind a legacy of love and partnership as Parton continues to cherish their time together. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie, as the music community and fans rally around Parton during this difficult time.
