Dolly Parton announced Monday night that her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, has passed away at the age of 82.
A statement shared on Instagram included a personal note at the bottom of the message, “Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died in Nashville on March 3 at the age of 82. He is survived by his brothers Sandra and Donnie.” “Karrl and I have had many wonderful years together. Words cannot do justice to the love we have shared over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Dean was a very private person who left the spotlight during the couple’s relationship. Parton sought privacy “in this difficult time.”
The social media posts did not specify the official cause of death, but according to TMZ, Dean was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – April 18: In this screen grab released on April 18th, Dolly Parton will speak at the 56th Country Music Awards held in Nashville, Tennessee on April 18th, 2021. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images from ACM)
Parton and Dean met at a laundromat in Nashville in 1966 and described the moment as “loving at first sight.” Dean was an asphalt contractor and maintained his own path in life. When Parton’s career flew by, their relationship flourished, but Dean rarely appeared publicly with his wife. Parton frequently spoke about their marriage with Dean, but photos and videos of the couple rarely surfaced.
Parton’s 2012 song “From Here to the Moon and Back” was written for Dean, and the Happy Couple renewed their vows to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016. They would have been celebrating their 59th anniversary on May 30th.
Carl was survived by his beloved wife and his brothers Sandra and Donnie. (Related: Shocking New Information Shedding Light on the Death of Drummer Bob Brier: Report)
Fans are flooded with heartfelt messages of love and support as they navigate this devastating loss.
