Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, has spoken out for the first time since the heartbreaking death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
The couple, who shared nearly 60 years of marriage, had a love story that inspired many. On March 6, 2025, Parton took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with her fans, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she received following Dean’s passing.
In her Instagram post, Parton wrote, “This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl.”
She continued, “I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
Carl Thomas Dean’s Passing
Carl Thomas Dean died on March 3, 2025, in Nashville at the age of 82. Dolly Parton shared the sad news on social media, announcing that Dean would be laid to rest in a private ceremony with only immediate family in attendance. The announcement also mentioned Dean’s surviving siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
Parton reflected on their decades-long marriage, stating, “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.” She also requested privacy for her family during this difficult time.
A Love Story for Dolly Parton That Spanned Decades
Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean met in 1964 at a laundromat in Nashville. According to Parton, it was love at first sight. Dean, who lived a private life away from Parton’s fame, supported her career from behind the scenes. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and love, with Dean choosing to avoid the spotlight while Parton’s career flourished.
The couple married two years after they met, in 1966, and despite Parton’s busy career, they always made time for each other. In interviews, Parton often shared stories of their down-to-earth life together, painting a picture of a couple who valued simplicity and genuine connection.
Fans and Friends Show Their Support For Dolly Parton
Since the announcement of Carl Thomas Dean’s death, fans and celebrities have expressed their condolences. Many fans shared memories of Parton’s stories about Dean, highlighting how their love was a testament to enduring marriage.
Moving Forward with Love
Dolly Parton’s message of gratitude and peace offers a glimpse into how she is coping with this tremendous loss. Her strength and resilience are as inspiring as her music. As she continues to mourn the loss of her husband, fans can expect that Parton will, as always, channel her emotions into her work, sharing her heart with the world.
Dean’s passing marks the end of a beautiful chapter in Parton’s life, but her words make it clear that love, faith, and gratitude remain at the forefront of her healing process. As she said, “He is in God’s arms now, and I am okay with that.”
The world has seen Dolly Parton’s immense talent and generosity, but her love story with Carl Thomas Dean added another layer to her legacy.
As fans continue to support her, Parton’s openness and grace during this time of grief remind us of the power of love, both in life and beyond.
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