Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s devoted husband for nearly 60 years, passed away at 82. A quiet man who stayed out of the spotlight, he was the love of Dolly’s life.
They met outside the WishyWashy Laundromat in Nashville in 1964. She was 18, he was 21. Love at first sight!
Two years later, in 1966, they tied the knot in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, with only Dolly’s mother, a preacher, and his wife present.
Unlike his superstar wife, Carl Dean preferred a quiet life, running an asphalt-paving business and staying out of the limelight.
Unlike his superstar wife, Carl Dean preferred a quiet life, running an asphalt-paving business and staying out of the limelight.
Dolly’s hit song “Jolene” was inspired by a bank teller who caught Carl’s attention. But their love remained strong!
Carl inspired many of Dolly’s songs, including “Just Because I’m a Woman” and the romantic ballad “From Here to the Moon and Back.”
For their 50th anniversary, they renewed their vows, celebrating their decades of love and devotion.
Carl loved rock music! Dolly’s 2023 album “Rockstar” was inspired by his love for the genre.
Despite being private, Carl was always Dolly’s rock. “God gave me Carl Dean,” she once said. “He was the perfect man for me.”
Carl Dean, 1942-2025. A quiet man with a big heart. He may be gone, but his love story with Dolly will live on forever.