Listen To Dolly Parton’s Touching Song About Her Husband, Carl Dean
Carl Dean and Dolly Parton (Photo credit: NBC / Splash News)
Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, had a beautiful yet unconventional love story.
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean met just a few days after she moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. They stayed together until Dean’s death in 2025. Parton’s team announced his passing on March 4, 2025.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the statement read.
Parton’s team also included a quote from the country legend herself. She said, “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.”
Dolly And Carl Were Married For Nearly 59 Years
The young couple was married on May 30, 1966, and even though they were married for nearly 60 years, there are only a handful of photos of them together.
He doesn’t attend any of her shows. In facet, legend has it that he has only seen her perform live ONE TIME. He was a very private person and did not like to be in the spotlight. Instead, he left that for his very famous wife.
When they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, they renewed their vows in a big ceremony, which is the most press Carl had ever received!
So, how did they make their love last even though they are so different?
“They say that opposites attract, and it’s true,” she told PEOPLE in 2015. “We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun. I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me.”
In 2001, Parton released a song for the love of her life called “Marry Me” off her album Little Sparrow.
The song serves as a perfect tribute to her husband, and as she sings the lyrics, “Cause he knows a lot about love and stuff / And he’s gonna marry me” we can tell she was completely head over heels in love with Carl. The video below shows a slideshow of Dolly and Carl’s lives together, while Dolly sings “Marry Me” in the background. The slideshow is delightful and a definite must-see.
