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Dolly Parton Reflects on the Loss of Her Husband Carl Dean
Dolly Parton recently shared an intimate look at her life following the passing of her husband, Carl Dean. The 79-year-old country music icon spoke candidly during an interview with Knox News at Dollywood, coinciding with the theme park’s milestone 40th season. This marked her first public engagement since Dean’s death earlier this month.
“I’m doing better than I thought I would,” Parton shared. “I’ve been with him for 60 years. This means I will have to adapt and learn to navigate life without him. But I will always carry him in my heart.”
The couple’s journey began in 1964 when they met outside a laundromat in Nashville. At the time, she was just 18, and he was 21. They tied the knot two years later in a secluded ceremony, choosing to maintain their privacy throughout their decades-long marriage.
Dolly Parton Finds Solace in Memories of Dean
In her interview, Parton conveyed that Dean had endured significant struggles in his later years but expressed a sense of tranquility knowing he is now at peace. “Although I feel comforted, I still miss him dearly,” she noted. “There’s a void in my heart, but I intend to fill it with cherished memories, as he’ll always be with me in spirit.”
“I’m doing better than I thought I would. I’ve been with him for 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close,” Parton reflected.
Despite their public personas often being apart, Parton emphasized Dean’s unwavering support for her endeavors, including her ownership of Dollywood. She fondly recalled how he would occasionally visit the park solo, choosing to buy his own ticket rather than relying on her status. “He found it amusing,” Parton recalled. “He didn’t want any special treatment just for being Dolly’s husband.”
During his visits, Dean would provide Parton with constructive feedback. “He would often come home with suggestions, like needing more restrooms or noticing how crowded certain areas were. It was never about criticism; he was attentive to the details and wanted to help improve things,” she explained.
When asked about her perfect day at Dollywood, Parton said it would mirror Dean’s approach, suggesting a leisurely day spent exploring and enjoying the park.
Parton announced Dean’s passing on her Instagram on March 3, revealing the news that he died in Nashville at the age of 82. In her heartfelt message, she stated, “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd 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. We shared many beautiful years together. Words cannot express the depth of our love over more than six decades. Thank you for your thoughts and support.”
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