Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s Reclusive Husband of Nearly 60 Years, Dies at 82

Dean, known for his private life and deep bond with Parton, passed away in Nashville and will be honored in a private family ceremony.

Carl Dean, husband of country music legend Dolly Parton, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dean and Parton shared a 60-year marriage built on love, humor, and mutual respect, with Dean famously avoiding the spotlight throughout their union.
Dolly Parton expressed gratitude for the love they shared and requested privacy for her family during this difficult time.
Dean’s reclusive nature and their contrasting personalities were key to their enduring relationship, which inspired some of Parton’s iconic songs, including 'Jolene.'
The couple’s love story began in 1964 at a Nashville laundromat and included a secret elopement in 1966, with Dean playing a significant role in shaping Parton’s image and style.