Dolly Parton thanks fans for support after husband Carl Dean’s death: 'He is in God’s arms now'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dolly Parton is leaning on the support of family, friends, and fans following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
The country music legend shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram on Thursday, March 6, just three days after announcing Dean’s death at the age of 82.
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Dolly Parton reflects on her life with Carl Dean
Paying tribute to her late husband Carl Dean, Dolly 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."
“I can't reach out personally to each of you, but just know it has meant the world to me,” she added.
Parton and Dean shared nearly six decades of marriage, having wed in 1966.
Despite her global fame, Dean remained a private figure, choosing to stay out of the public eye while supporting his wife’s career from behind the scenes.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton continued in her tribute.
“Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” she shared.
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Parton concluded her statement by expressing peace with Dean’s death. “He is in God’s arms now, and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” she wrote, referencing the lyrics of her iconic 1973 song 'I Will Always Love You.'
Carl Dean's life away from the spotlight
Born in Nashville in 1942, Carl Dean was raised alongside his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie, by their parents Virginia “Ginny” Bates Dean and Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean.
He met Parton at a laundromat in Nashville in 1964, a moment he later recalled as life-changing.
“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’ My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin,’” Dean told Entertainment Tonight in 2016 in a rare public statement.
Despite his wife’s immense fame, Dean remained notoriously private, rarely making public appearances or granting interviews.
Dolly Parton opens up on Carl Dean's support for her
Dolly Parton often spoke about his unwavering support while respecting his desire to stay out of the limelight.
“He’s always supporting me as long as I don’t try to drag him in on it,” Parton told People in 2019.
“He’s always been my biggest fan behind the scenes, but he’s at home,” she added.
In a 1982 interview with People, Parton spoke of her devotion to Dean.
“Carl is the one man in my life. I would love to grow old with him. If he should die first, I may never marry again. My love is that deep," she said at the time.
Dean died on March 3 in Nashville. He is survived by his wife and siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
