Dolly Parton is heartbroken after the loss of her husband Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82. He died in Nashville, Tennessee, just yesterday. The couple had a remarkable marriage that spanned nearly 60 years, with Parton sharing her deep love for Dean in a heartfelt social media post. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy," she expressed.
Their love story began when they met outside a laundromat on Dolly’s first day in Nashville as an 18-year-old. Parton reminisced about their first encounter, praising Dean’s ability to engage with her genuinely, a quality she found refreshing. They exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, on May 30, 1966.
While Dean chose to remain away from the spotlight, focusing on his asphalt-paving business, he played an influential role in Parton’s life and music. Notably, the classic hit "Jolene" was inspired by a bank teller who developed a crush on Dean. Parton humorously recounted how it became a running joke between them.
Despite the mystery surrounding Dean, who often faced rumors of being a figment of Parton's imagination, she addressed those with a touch of humor. They had no children but leave behind loving memories and family, with Dean survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
