Dolly Parton Opens Up About Loss of Husband Carl Dean
Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, recently spoke candidly about the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died at 82 in March. In an interview with The Independent, Parton shared her emotional journey following Dean’s death, revealing that he had been secretly ill for some time. While she feels a sense of peace knowing he is no longer suffering, she admits the loss has left her feeling lonely.
Parton, 79, reflected on their nearly 60-year marriage, which began on May 30, 1966. Despite living in the spotlight, Dean preferred to remain out of the public eye, yet he was always supportive of Parton. "He was very proud of me," she asserted. In honor of his memory, she released the song "If You Hadn’t Been There."
"I truly believe I’m going to see him again someday," Parton said, emphasizing her faith as a source of comfort. She added, "I see him every day in my memories and in all the things that we used to do together."
To cope with her loss, the ten-time Grammy winner is channeling her energy into new projects. Parton is currently working on an autobiographical musical set to premiere in Nashville in July 2025 and later on Broadway in 2026. This project is described as a celebration of her life and music, inviting performers from all backgrounds to contribute. Additionally, her forthcoming book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, is set for release on November 11.
Parton’s enduring love for Dean continues to inspire her work, proving that, even in loss, she is determined to celebrate her cherished memories and keep his spirit alive.
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