Dolly Parton's Husband Carl Dean Dies at 82: A Look Back at Their 60-Year Marriage
Image credits: Dolly Parton/Instagram
Carl Dean, the devoted husband of country music superstar Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton's publicist, Dean passed away on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. The family has asked for respect and privacy, and no cause of death was announced. Parton met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville at 18, and they married two years later, on Memorial Day — May 30, 1966 — in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
Dean was a businessman who owned an asphalt-paving business in Nashville, and he inspired one of Parton's most iconic songs, "Jolene." The song was written about a flirty bank teller who had a crush on Dean, and it has become one of Parton's signature tunes. Despite being married to a famous wife, Dean kept a low profile and avoided the spotlight, preferring to focus on his business and personal life. Parton has often spoken about the love and respect they shared, and how Dean was her rock and support throughout her career.
Parton and Dean's marriage was a long and happy one, spanning over 60 years. They were each other's biggest fans, and Parton often credited Dean with being her inspiration and motivation. In a statement, Parton 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." The couple's relationship was built on trust, respect, and a deep love for each other, and they were each other's partner in every sense of the word.
Dean is survived by Parton and his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and his legacy will live on through the music and memories he inspired. Parton's music and career were heavily influenced by her relationship with Dean, and he will always be remembered as the love of her life. Some of Parton's notable works include her albums such as "Jolene" and "Rockstar", which were inspired by her love for Dean. The couple's love story is a testament to the power of true love and the impact it can have on our lives.
Here are some of the notable
- Album releases: "Jolene", "Rockstar", "My Blue Tears"
- Award nominations: Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards
- Event schedules: Dollywood theme park opening, Carl Dean's memorial service
- Cast/crew details: Dolly Parton, Carl Dean, Sandra Dean, Donnie Dean
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