Carl Dean, the longtime husband of Dolly Parton, passed away on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 82. A statement from Parton’s publicist, shared with The Associated Press, confirmed that Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by immediate family.
“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 country star wrote in a statement.
The family has requested privacy and respect during this time. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Parton first met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat on the day she arrived in Nashville at age 18.
Two years later, on Memorial Day—May 30, 1966—Parton and Dean married in an intimate ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
A businessman, Dean owned an asphalt-paving company in Nashville. He was one of three children born to Virginia “Ginny” Bates Dean and Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean. Parton affectionately referred to his mother as “Mama Dean.”
Dean is survived by Parton and his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie. The couple maintained a deeply private relationship for decades.
Dolly Parton, born January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, is a legendary singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. She rose to fame in the late 1960s with hits like Dumb Blonde and Joshua before becoming a country music icon with classics such as Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You.
Beyond music, Parton built a successful career in film, starring in 9 to 5 (1980) and Steel Magnolias (1989). She also co-owns Dollywood, a theme park in her home state, and has been a dedicated philanthropist, notably through her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children worldwide.
Parton has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, the CMA Entertainer of the Year, and the National Medal of Arts. A masterful songwriter and savvy businesswoman, Parton has left an indelible mark on country music and pop culture. Her warmth, humor, and generosity have made her one of the most beloved figures in entertainment.
