Dolly Parton Gives Her Late Husband A Heartfelt Tribute With A Special Song

Known for his private life, Dean and Parton were wed for almost 60 years. A lengthy and enduring love story came to an end with his passing.

The well-known singer initially announced on social media on March 3, 2025, that her husband had died. Despite being married for almost 60 years, the pair never had children together.

In a March 6, 2025, Instagram post, Parton thanked family, friends, and fans for their support and shared that she had found peace in her faith, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”

The announcement of Dean’s burial plans preceded Parton’s tribute, which was another act of respect for his memory. Her spokeswoman told the Associated Press that Carl will be remembered in a private burial service that only his close relatives will attend.

Parton herself offered a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound grief that comes with losing her husband of almost 60 years. “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 country legend shared.

Although the family has not provided any additional information about the ceremony’s location or details, their wish for solitude is consistent with Dean’s well-known dislike of being in the spotlight.

On March 4, 2025, Parton’s sister Stella took to X to thank the public for their love and support as the family gets ready to say their final goodbyes in a private ceremony. “On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl’s family, we appreciate your prayers at this time,” she wrote in her letter.

Following early rumors about the passing of the man who won the “9 to 5” singer’s heart, Parton’s sister released information on his funeral. Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie, survive Dean.

As they mourn the loss of a man who has been a constant in Parton’s life since their 1966 wedding, the family has asked for privacy and has not disclosed Dean’s cause of death.

On Parton’s first day in town, two years prior to their marriage, she met Dean. Uncle Bill had moved to Nashville two weeks prior, and she had just arrived to stay with him.

Assisting by watching his son, she went to the Wishy-Washy, a nearby laundry, to wash the clothing she had packed. A man yelled out to her as she strolled down the street, adjusting to her new environment.

Coming from a small town, she was used to greeting everyone, so she waved back. That man turned out to be Dean. The singer was 18 when they met, and Dean was 21. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about,” noted Parton.

Despite their cordial conversation, Parton first refused to go out with him, adhering to the safety precautions she had been taught. Instead, she offered to watch him while she went to her uncle’s place. He accepted her invitation and spent time with her on the porch each day of that week. She even forbade him from entering the house.

Eventually, when her aunt had a day off and could watch the baby, she finally agreed to go somewhere with Dean. “He drove me straight to his folks’ house and introduced me to his mother and daddy. Cause he said he knew right the minute he saw me that that’s the one he wanted,” Parton gushed.

When Parton was 20 and Dean was 23, they were married in Ringgold, Georgia, on Memorial Day 1966. Parton’s mother, the event’s minister, Avie Lee, and his spouse attended the intimate and tiny ceremony.

Parton has talked about her marriage to Dean over the years, describing how it lasted for decades. She said that their opposing personalities kept things interesting and attributed the longevity of her marriage to their differences.

Parton said that despite her rigorous job, Dean was a loner, which helped their marriage succeed. With five of her younger siblings living with them, their home was constantly busy, a scene she compared to a busy depot.

She frequently brought the majority of the children with her when she went for work, which didn’t bother Dean because he was a loner. She thrived on movement, and he valued the room, so their arrangement worked for both of them. Their time apart only made their reunions more exciting.

Furthermore, people conjectured that Parton’s husband was fictitious because of his love of seclusion. She responded to this persistent notion by claiming that the rumors were the result of his conscious efforts to stay out of the spotlight.

She clarified that Dean didn’t care the publicity and instead favored a calm, private life. She claimed that he was aware that entering the spotlight would require him to give up his tranquility, and he had no desire for such attention.

“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. 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,” Parton explained.

The “Let It Be” crooner also described Dean as a kind and dependable man who constantly surprised her, making their relationship both fun and enduring. “He’s a deep person, but he has a great and warped sense of humor. He makes me laugh and entertains me. He’s very secure within himself,” shared Parton.

The “Wildflowers” singer also shared her favorite pastime with Dean. The couple frequently took quick journeys in their RV to unwind and enjoy small pleasures together. Parton embraced a relaxed lifestyle and enjoyed cooking, reading, and spending quiet time with her spouse.

Parton was always eager to explore and be busy, while Dean wanted to stay close to home and valued his independence. She pointed out that their contrasts helped to maintain their relationship’s equilibrium and enduring vitality.