Dolly Parton felt lonely but 'at peace' after husband Carl Dean's death as he was 'not suffering anymore'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dolly Parton has opened up about Carl Dean's secret health struggles before his death at age 82.

Parton said Dean's death brought her a complicated mix of emotions. The couple had been married for nearly 60 years before he died in March.

Dolly Parton says Carl Dean was sick 'for quite a while'

Parton shared her experience of grief and loss in an interview, revealing how she has managed to cope since Dean’s death.

“I really feel his presence. I just try to go on, because I know I have to,” Parton told the Independent.

She revealed, “And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”

While Parton, 79, did not disclose what specific health issues her husband faced, she said she has found some comfort in her faith and memories.

“I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday,” she said.

Dolly Parton says she sees her husband Carl Dean 'every day'

Parton cherishes the memories of her late, beloved husband as an integral part of her everyday life.  

She told the outlet, “I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together."

Parton added, “You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans – but that’s the hardest part.”

“So when I did lose him, I just thought, well, I’m going to take all of that energy, and I’m just going to put that back into other things, and I’ll keep him ever-present in everything that I do,” Parton said.

After Dean’s death, Parton released the song 'If You Hadn’t Been There' in his honor. The couple first met in 1964 outside a laundromat in Nashville.

Even though Dean largely stayed out of the spotlight, Parton said he was always “very proud” of her behind closed doors.

Dolly Parton says she'll keep Carl Dean 'ever-present in everything that I do'

The 10-time Grammy winner has stayed busy since Dean’s death. She is currently working on an autobiographical musical that will premiere in Nashville in July before heading to Broadway in 2026 according to New York Post.

“This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who’ve been with me along the way,” she continued.

Parton shared on social media in December 2024. “We’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something.”

In addition to the musical, her new book, 'Star of the Show: My Life on Stage', is set to be released on November 11.