Real-Life Love
A Look Back at Dolly Parton’s Private Love Story With Husband Carl Dean
Dolly Parton has voiced her love for her husband, Carl Dean, in countless songs, but the two didn’t step into the limelight together for over half a century before he died.
Yet, the “Jolene” singer has no issue talking about Dean, assuring everyone who wanted to know that he truly was the love of her life. So, who was the special man in Parton’s life? Swooon is breaking down Parton and Dean’s love story from its start to their last days together.
Who is Dolly Parton’s husband?
Parton’s husband was far removed from the glitz and glamour of her world. Even though he was married to THE Dolly Parton, Dean assured her that he didn’t want to deal with the fame.
Early on in her career, the Tennessee native rented a tux and “begged him” to go to the BMI Awards when she was nominated for Song of the Year – which she won. Dean made it clear that it made him “so uncomfortable” and was not impressed by the industry.
She continued, “He said, “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 ain’t going.” Parton admitted, “He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it.” She stated, “He told me that right up front.”
The reason why he preferred to be a little reclusive? “It’s just not who he is,” the 9 to 5 artist divulged to ET. “He’s like, a quiet, reserved person and he figured if he ever got out there in that, he’d never get a minute’s peace, and he’s right about that.”
How did they meet?
A meet-cute moment sparked the romance between Parton and Dean. Bumping into each other outside the Wishy Washy laundromat in Nashville when she was 18 and he was 21 in 1964, the two fell in love when Dean drove by the establishment in his white pick-up truck.
She had just moved to Music City from her native Sevierville, Tennessee, and was already whisked away by a flirty gentleman. The Steel Magnolias star told PEOPLE that their first dates were indicative of what was to come, “When I met my husband, he wanted to take me out to dinner,” she revealed. He took her to a place he liked. “He pulled up to the drive-in window and got our food at McDonald’s. He only likes to go places where he can be comfortable,” Parton recalled.
Parton disclosed that their dates remained focused on staying comfortable throughout the span of their relationship. Another thing the couple did to keep the spark alive was to plan spontaneous, albeit simple, dates for one another. “I’ll cook the stuff that I know we love,” she said. “And I pack it up in a picnic basket. And then we’ll go find some riverbank somewhere with our little camper, park, have a picnic. Or we’ll pull up to some little Days Inn motel, go in as long as the bed’s clean and there’s a bathroom. We just do our little things like that.”
When did Dolly & Carl get married?
The item decided to elope in 1966 just two years after meeting each other. Parton’s record label urged her not to get married, but she did not listen. Her mother made her a white dress and a bouquet just before they made things official.
On their actual wedding day, only three people were in attendance besides the spouses: Parton’s mom, the preacher, and his wife. Although, not many were able to be there for their first union, Parton and Dean decided to renew their vows in light of their 50th anniversary in 2016, so more were able to celebrate their love story.
In 2016, Dean recalled when he first met his other half and candidly stated, “My first thought was I’m gonna marry that girl. My second thought was, “Lord she’s good-looking.” And that was the day my life began.”
The duo kept their romance intact, and Parton expressed the ways he surprised her until the end. “In the springtime when the first yellow daffodils come out…my husband always brings me a bouquet. And he’ll usually write me a little poem. Which to me, that’s priceless. That’s like a date in itself,” the singer revealed.
Did Dolly and Carl have any kids?
The iconic singer and Dean do not have any kids of their own. Having no regrets about living child-free, the “I Will Always Love You” songwriter did reveal that it wasn’t fully a decision that they made.
She suffered from endometriosis and had a partial hysterectomy at 36. Parton didn’t discover that she had the condition until she was 33. Shining her light on so many, Parton has been a spiritual and actual godmother to plenty. Parton is notably Miley Cyrus‘ godmother.
What did Carl do for a living?
Making a living as an asphalt pavement businessman throughout his younger years, Dean retired a while ago. He enjoyed his time on the farm he owned with his significant other.
What happened to Carl Dean?
On March 3, Parton’s Instagram announced the death of her beloved husband. The statement began, “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3 in Nashville at the age of 82,” and explained that he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with only immediate family attending.
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Parton lovingly expressed, “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.” No other information was given. The post ended with a plea for “privacy during this difficult time.”
