It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dolly Parton‘s husband, Carl Dean, who has been her beloved partner for over five decades. His death occurred on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, as confirmed by a representative for the iconic singer.

In a heartfelt statement, Parton reflected on their extraordinary journey together, stating, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared over 60 years.” She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, saying, “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy during this challenging time.”

The couple’s love story began on Parton’s first day in Nashville back in 1964, when she was a hopeful artist eager to break into the music scene. At a laundromat, Dean approached her, sparking a conversation that would lead to a deep and inseparable bond between them.

They tied the knot in May 1966 and enjoyed nearly six decades of marriage. Despite this, Parton often spoke fondly of Dean in interviews, yet fans rarely saw him in public, as he preferred to maintain a low profile.

Dean’s legendary aversion to the spotlight became well-known. During a podcast interview in 2024 with Bunnie Xo, the wife of Jelly Roll, Parton shared how Dean was so uncomfortable with public appearances that he refused to attend any music industry events after a brief stint at the BMI Awards shortly after their wedding.

Parton was thrilled to receive her first Songwriter of the Year award at that ceremony and had hoped Dean would share in the joy. “I rented a tux and begged him to go,” she recalled. “He did attend, but oh, he was so uncomfortable the whole night.” Upon returning home from the celebrity-filled event, Dean made it clear that he would not participate in such occasions again.

He firmly stated, “Look now, I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things, because I’m not doing it.” Parton respected his wishes, admitting she hadn’t realized how uneasy he would feel.

Even though Dean stayed out of the limelight, he was always Parton’s biggest supporter behind the scenes, as she highlighted in a nostalgic photo she shared in 2021. “Find you a partner who will support you like my Carl Dean does!” she encouraged her followers alongside the picture.

Various reports indicate that Dean operated a successful asphalt-laying company in Nashville for many years, although the exact year of his retirement remains unclear.

In an interview with Pollstar in 2022, Parton hinted at Dean’s advancing age, conveying her reluctance to embark on another full-fledged tour. She expressed concern about leaving if something were to happen to him, saying, “Something could happen. I would not feel right about that, if I were gone and somebody needed me.”

According to Parton’s official statement, Dean is survived by two siblings, Sandra and Donnie. He will be “laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending,” honoring the couple’s desire for privacy.

The family has respectfully requested privacy during this difficult time.