Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband, has died aged 82

Carl Thomas Dean, husband to Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82.

Dean died on Monday (March 3) in Nashville, Parton’s social media accounts have confirmed. Per the post, Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family.

Parton wrote in a brief statement: “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.”

Posted by Dolly Parton on Monday, March 3, 2025

Parton and Dean began dating in 1964, tying the knot two years later. The couple have celebrated over 60 years together, 59 of which have been spent married. Despite the lengthy relationship, Dean was an elusive figure for the most part as he was rarely seen out in public or in photographs with his wife. You can see one of their rare photographs together below.

Late last year, Parton spoke to fellow country star Bunnie Xo for Country Living, where she shared an insight on her relationship with Dean. She said that where she’s “loud”, he’s “quiet”: “He was a homebody, and that worked well for us. He was in asphalt paving… He’s Cancer, and I’m Capricorn, and those are compatible signs.”

She also shared that there’s a reason he doesn’t make grand public appearances with her, dating back to 1967. After being asked to attend the 1967 BMI Awards with her, Dean told her: “‘Look, I want you to do anything you want to do, but never ask me to go to another one of things again.’ And he never did.”

Carl Thomas Dean is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.

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