Country music icon Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82. The couple, who shared a nearly 60-year marriage, kept their relationship private and out of the spotlight.
Parton announced Dean’s passing on social media, expressing gratitude for the love they shared over the years. The couple first met when Parton was just 18 years old, outside a laundromat in Nashville. Two years later, they exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Georgia.
Throughout their marriage, Dean focused on his asphalt-paving business in Nashville, staying away from the public eye. Despite his private nature, he played a significant role in inspiring some of Parton’s classic hits, including the famous song “Jolene.”
Parton once revealed that “Jolene” was inspired by a bank teller who had a crush on Dean. The couple’s relationship remained a mystery to many, with rumors circulating that Dean was fictional. Parton joked about these rumors, stating that some believed she made Dean up to deter unwanted attention.
The couple had no children together, and Dean is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie. Parton expressed her appreciation for the support and prayers from fans during this difficult time.
