Dolly Parton Shares Devastating News Of Her Husband’s Death

Dolly Parton announced Monday night that her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, has passed away at the age of 82.

A statement shared on Instagram said, “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.” A personal note was included at the bottom of the message. “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.”

Dean was a very private person that shied away from the spotlight during the couple’s relationship. Parton asked for privacy “during this difficult time.”

The social media post did not specify an official cause of death, but according to TMZ, Dean was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019.

Parton and Dean met in a Nashville laundromat in 1966, and she described the moment as “love at first sight.”  Dean was an asphalt contractor that maintained his own path in life. Their relationship flourished as Parton’s career took flight, but Dean rarely appeared publicly with his wife. Photos and videos of the couple rarely surfaced, although Parton frequently spoke fondly of Dean, and of their marriage.

Parton’s 2012 song, “From Here to the Moon and Back,” was written for Dean, and the happy couple renewed their vows in 2016, to mark their 50th anniversary. They would have celebrated their 59th anniversary May 30.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, and his siblings Sandra and Donnie. (RELATED: Shocking New Information Sheds Light On Drummer Bob Bryar’s Death: REPORT)

Fans have flooded Parton’s social media with heartfelt messages of love and support as she navigates this devastating loss.