Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s beloved husband of nearly six decades, passed away on March 3 at the age of 82.
In a video interview with Entertainment Tonight released on May 21, Parton opened up about life after his passing and the emotional journey she’s been on since losing her longtime partner.
“Of course I miss him,” said Parton, 79. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to live without him after being together for so long.”
She added, “I’m holding up the best I can. After nearly 60 years of loving someone, it’s a big adjustment.”
To honor Carl’s memory, Parton released a new song, If You Hadn’t Been There, as a tribute. “When Carl passed, I felt like I needed to do something,” she said. “So I decided to put that song out in his honor.”
She also spoke about the mixed emotions that come with grieving a loved one. “He went through a lot in his final years, and part of me is glad he’s at peace now,” she said. “But of course, I’ll miss him for the rest of my life.”
Parton expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s received from fans around the world. “I couldn’t believe how many people reached out — with flowers, cards, and phone calls,” she said.
Dean’s passing was first announced by Parton in a March 3 Instagram post:
“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 close family. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.”
She continued, “Carl and I shared so many wonderful years together. Words can’t describe the love we had. Thank you for your prayers and support. Our family kindly asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Parton met Dean in 1964 outside a Nashville laundromat, and they married two years later. Though he mostly stayed out of the public eye, he remained a steady presence in her life for 58 years.
In a rare comment back in 2016, Dean recalled the moment he first saw Parton. “My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” he said. “My second was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin.’ That was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for anything.”
