Dolly Parton's Husband, Carl Dean, Dies at 82: The Untold Story

2025-03-04 12:00:59.925

Carl Dean, the devoted husband of Dolly Parton for almost 60 years, passed away on Monday at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean, who largely stayed out of the public eye, was a significant influence on Parton's life and career, even inspiring her timeless hit "Jolene." A private ceremony for immediate family will be held. Parton released a statement expressing her love and gratitude for their years together, requesting privacy during this difficult time. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The couple met outside a laundromat in Nashville when Parton was 18 and married two years later. Dean was a businessman, owning an asphalt-paving company. He is survived by Parton and two siblings. Parton has shared anecdotes about Dean over the years, revealing that "Jolene" was inspired by a flirty bank teller who had a crush on him. More recently, Parton mentioned that Dean's love for rock and roll influenced her 2023 album, "Rockstar," leading her to include some of his favorite songs on the album. Despite keeping their relationship private for decades, Parton occasionally shared humorous stories about Dean, dispelling rumors about his existence.