Carl Thomas Dean, the devoted husband of country music icon Dolly Parton, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Nashville at the age of 82.
Unlike Parton, who has spent her life in the spotlight, Dean preferred to stay out of the public eye. But perhaps that was what made their love even stronger.
Despite their differences, the couple maintained a lasting marriage—nearly six decades of enduring love and mutual respect, defying the challenges that often come with celebrity relationships.
In a world where Hollywood romances often fade, get inside Dean and Parton’s timeless romance that proves true love still exists in the entertainment world.
The Beginning of a Rare and Inspiring Love Story
Dean and Parton first met in May 1964 at the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville.
The singer-songwriter moved to the city at 18 to pursue her music career, while Dean, who was 21 then, was working in his family’s asphalt business.
In an interview with The New York Times in 1976, Parton revealed she was walking down the street when Dean hollered at her, she waved at him, and he came over.
"I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me)," she said. "He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about."
From there, a rare and inspiring love story started to brew.
Afraid to go out with him right away, Parton initially invited Dean to her home, and he accepted. When they finally had the chance to go out together for the first time, Dean introduced Parton to his parents.
An Intimate Wedding
Two years after their first meeting, Dean and Parton tied the knot in May 1966 in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
The event was so intimate only her mother, Avie Lee Parton, the preacher, and the preacher’s wife were present.
"We thought Ringgold because we knew that was where you could get your license and get married the same day," she told a local news station in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2012
True to her words in People in 2012, it was their "first marriage … and the last."
Leading Opposite Lifestyle
Parton’s rise to fame began in the late 1960s. However, she and her husband led a completely different lifestyle.
Dean chose a life away from the spotlight, focusing on running his asphalt business. He even rarely attended public events with his wife.
Believe it or not, despite being the husband of a music legend, he only saw her perform live once during their entire marriage.
She had no problem with that, though. She was happy to keep their relationship separate from her work life.
"I've always respected and appreciated that in him, and I've always tried to keep him out of the limelight as much as I can," Parton told Entertainment Tonight in 2020. "He said, 'I didn't choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.' And we do and we have."
But that didn’t mean Dean wasn’t supportive of her. He supported her but just stayed far in the background.
"He’s always supporting me as long as I don’t try to drag him in on it," she told People in 2019. "He’s always been my biggest fan behind the scenes, but he’s at home."
Carl Dean Inspired Dolly Parton’s "Jolene"
Parton revealed to NPR in 2008 that Dean inspired her 1973 hit "Jolene." But no, it wasn’t about their love story—it was about a flirtatious woman who got a big crush on Dean.
"And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention."
It even became a running joke between the two, with Parton noticing Dean spending a lot of time at the bank, though she didn’t believe they had that big amount of money.
"So it's really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one," she continued.
A Pure and Simple Love
Being married for 58 years, it is no surprise that Parton often gets questioned about the key to a long and lasting marriage.
"I always say, ‘Stay gone!’ and there’s a lot of truth to that," she told People in 2018.
The couple always enjoyed each other when they were together and the little things they did.
"Our life is simple but easy. We don't even have that much company at home. We just like to be together," she continued.
Despite her busy schedule, they often took mini-road trips in her RV or had small picnics near their home.
Dean would also bring her a bouquet when the first yellow daffodils came out in the springtime and would also write her a poem.
"That’s priceless," she said.
Carl Dean’s Passing
Parton announced the passing of Dean in a statement she posted on social media.
"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 statement read.
She requested privacy for her family during this difficult time.
Carl is survived by his wife and siblings Sandra and Donnie. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by close family members.