Dolly Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean, likely had one of the sweetest love stories in country music history. However, they kept their private life private, and Dean made very few public appearances. As a result, theirs is a love story that most fans will never hear. The bits and pieces that surface, though, show that they shared a love that most would envy.
Recently, a friend of Parton and Dean spoke to Closer Weekly about their relationship and their final days together. That source revealed that the country icon made her beloved husband a vow before he went on to Glory earlier this month. “She promised Carl she’d see him again. Dolly wanted him to be at peace in his final moments,” they said.
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Dean’s cause of death has not been made public. However, the source reports that he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for the last few years. As a result, Parton did all she could to preserve their connection until the very end. “She spent a lot of time with Carl, especially near the end. His eyes would still light up when Dolly entered a room,” they shared. “It was very difficult for her but she didn’t want him to be afraid or feel alone.
Dolly Parton Reflects on Her Long Marriage to Carl Dean
Dolly Parton’s team took to social media on March 3 to announce Carl Dean’s passing. “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3 in Nashville at the age of 82,” the post read. “He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” it continued. Along with the usual requests for respect and privacy, the post also contained a brief but heartfelt message from Parton.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton shared. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” she added.
Parton met Dean on her first day in Nashville. The two hit it off immediately and their chance meeting became a love that spanned six decades and inspired some of Parton’s most memorable songs.
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