Loss of a Beloved Partner

Carl Dean, the husband of country music icon Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82. His death occurred on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, as confirmed by a publicist for Parton. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed.

The family plans a private funeral ceremony for Dean, attended by immediate relatives.

Dolly Parton’s Emotional Tribute

In her statement following Dean’s passing, Parton expressed her deep sorrow and gratitude for their shared life:

“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 Story of Their Love

The romance between Parton and Dean began when she moved to Nashville at the age of 18. The couple first met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat, where Dean made a lasting impression on Parton. Reflecting on their first encounter, she noted:

“I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”

Two years later, they wed on May 30, 1966, in a modest ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Despite Parton’s immense fame, Dean maintained a private life, focusing on his business as the owner of an asphalt-paving company in Nashville.

Born to Virginia “Ginny” Bates Dean and Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean, Carl Dean is survived by his wife, Dolly Parton, and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie. Parton affectionately referred to Dean’s mother as “Mama Dean.”