Dolly Parton’s beloved husband of nearly sixty years, Carl Dean, has sadly passed away at the age of 82. The two have had a long-lasting marriage that is extremely rare in Hollywood but they made it work. So, how was the news broken? Keep reading for more details.
Dolly Parton’s Beloved Husband, Carl Dean, Dead At 82
For years, Dolly Parton has had a loving and trusting marriage with Carl Dean. They have exceeded most celebrity marriages and made it nearly sixty years. Despite the fact that they were polar opposites, it worked for them. Dolly was an extrovert and loved her career and the red carpet. As for Carl, he walked the red carpet one time with Dolly when they were newlyweds. She bought him a suit and they got all done up but after it was over, he begged her never to make him do that again. Dolly obliged and he went on to live a low-key life while always supporting his wife from the sidelines.
Over the last few years, Carl’s health had taken a turn so Dolly opted to slow down her touring some. She did keep busy with new makeup and jewelry lines. Plus, she has a Broadway play coming out about her life and she just collaborated with Sabrina Carpenter. So, she never really slowed down. The one thing friends of Dolly’s joked about was how they either never saw or met Carl. “Did he even exist?” was a running joke but she sung his praises. Sadly, Dolly’s soulmate has passed away per an Instagram post.
Carl passed away on Monday, March 3rd at the age of 82. There will be a private funeral and it was noted how he leaves behind his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie. In a quote, Dolly Parton sang her now late husband’s praises. Fans and followers immediately chimed in with love and condolences for the country superstar:
- I’m sending so much love and prayers, I am so sorry 💔
- Oh Dolly, my heart goes out to you and yours, my deepest sympathies.
So Much Love
Dolly Parton just worked with The Wiggles on a fun collaboration and they sent their love, as well:
- So sorry for your loss Dolly. Sending you love and strength ❤️
Across Twitter/X, photos of them from when they were young flooded the social media forum.
R.I.P. Dolly’s loving husband Carl Dean.. Dead at 82 pic.twitter.com/aMgK0M2zQV
— Ms. Smith (@MsSmith17743658) March 4, 2025
R.I,P. Carl Dean #dollyparton pic.twitter.com/d3e8wYH5HJ
— Ms. Smith (@MsSmith17743658) March 4, 2025
Fans wanted Dolly to know how much they loved and supported her, that they were there for her during this devastating time. She works tirelessly to ensure children can read and is incredibly philanthropic, people cannot help but adore her:
- We are all here to support you, Dolly. We ALL love you. ❤️
- We love you Dolly, praying for peace and comfort for your family. 🤍
- 😢 Oh Dear lord. My sympathies are with you Mrs. Parton and your family.
Right now, Dolly and her family are requesting privacy. We are sending love and light to everyone who knew and loved Carl Dean. May his memory be a blessing.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.