Dolly Parton’s Husband, Carl Dean, Died On March 3, 2025
Dolly Parton is opening up about her grief following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

After two years of dating, Carl and Dolly were married in Ringgold, Georgia, on May 30, 1966. Throughout their 58-year marriage, Carl maintained a private life while Dolly’s career took off into the stratosphere. He never attended awards shows or events and was only interviewed once.

Although Carl remained out of the spotlight, Dolly ensured her fans knew about him and her love for him. Several of her songs, including “Marry Me” and “Jolene,” were inspired by Carl.

Sadly, Carl passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 82. A devastated Dolly shared the news in a short statement on social media.

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.”

 

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Dolly made her first public appearance after Carl’s death when her Dollywood theme park opened on March 14. She also released a new song, titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” and dedicated it to Carl.

“I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” Dolly said about the song. “We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”

Dolly Says Life Without Carl Is “A Big Adjustment”

Dolly recently sat down with TODAY for a new interview that aired on Friday, May 2, two months after Carl’s death. Her eyes filled with tears as she shared how emotional she gets when people mention his passing.

“Oh, you know what, I get very emotional when people bring it up,” she said. “But we were together 60 years. I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old.”

She shared how attending Dollywood’s opening day so soon after Carl’s passing was another emotional moment for her:

“I got very emotional that day after the parade because there was just so much love like that. Right after I had lost Carl and I was just so bottled up with emotion, and I got in the van and just boo-hooed for the longest time, just feeling all that love and emotion.”

Dolly is incredibly grateful for the fans who’ve sent kind messages and condolences since Carl passed away. Their comforting words have made her feel loved during this difficult time.

“I’m so thankful. I’ve gotten so many cards, letters, flowers, from all over the world.” She jokingly added, “I had no idea Carl Dean was so famous.”

After being with Carl for six decades, it’s been “a big adjustment” for Dolly to go through life without him:

“It’s a big adjustment just trying to change patterns and habits. I’ll do fine, and I’m very involved in my work and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. But I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.”

Watch Dolly Parton share how she’s been doing since Carl Dean’s death in the video below. Our hearts and prayers go out to her…