Dolly Parton recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Carl Dean, following his passing on March 3 at the age of 82. In an emotional statement on Instagram, Parton, 79, reflected on their six decades of love and companionship, expressing gratitude for the time they spent together. “Carl and I shared many wonderful years,” she wrote. “Words can’t capture the depth of our love. Thank you for your prayers and support.”:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(719x292:721x294):format(webp)/dolly-parton-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-los-angeles-121624-32ea0c3f61c14075a49e515e0fe9ee63.jpg)
Dean, known for his preference for a private life, remained largely out of the public eye despite Parton’s fame. However, in a rare interview on the Dumb Blonde podcast with Bunnie Xo in December 2024, Parton spoke about their enduring bond. “He’s quiet, I’m loud, and together, we’re funny,” she said, highlighting humor as a key to their lasting marriage. She described Dean as “hilarious” and emphasized how their mutual love and respect helped sustain their relationship.
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Laughter, Parton revealed, played a crucial role in navigating challenges. “Whenever there’s too much tension, one of us finds a joke to break it,” she shared. “We never fought back and forth, and I’m glad we didn’t. Once that starts, it can become a habit.”
In an interview with PEOPLE the same month, Parton recalled a cherished moment with Dean, calling it her “last perfect day.” “I had a day off, and I got to spend it entirely with my husband,” she said. “With my busy schedule, we rarely get full days together like we used to, so anytime I get to spend uninterrupted time with him, it’s a perfect day.”
Parton confirmed that Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by immediate family. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.