Dolly Parton's sister reveals rare details about singer's 'unique and deep' marriage to Carl Dean

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, is sharing insight into the country icon’s deeply private relationship with her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

In an interview with 'CBS Mornings', Stella described their romance as “sweet” and unique, while reflecting on the bond they shared before both passed away.

Stella Parton reflects on Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s 'private romance'

Stella said Dolly and Carl had a “sweet, private romance” and described their relationship as “very unique and very deep and loyal.” Carl died at the age of 82 in March 2025, while Dolly died at 80 on August 25.

Stella said she believed it broke Dolly’s heart to see Carl’s condition before his death, but she did not think that was what made her sister sick. Instead, she said Dolly had worked tirelessly for years and continued doing so until the end.

“I think my sister worked so hard for so long and just kept going. You know, even to the last conversation I had with her, she was working. That was her passion,” Stella said.

She also explained that Carl loved Dolly enough to allow her to remain true to herself, even though he may have preferred a quieter domestic life.

“He would rather her be at the house with her hair up in a ponytail and barefooted, cooking in the kitchen and just, you know, messing around the house,” Stella recalled, adding that this was likely what he would have preferred.

Dolly Parton remembered Carl Dean as her opposite and lifelong love

Dolly had previously shared similar thoughts about Carl’s independent nature in a November 2025 PEOPLE cover story. She said he liked being alone, preferred spending time on the farm and largely kept to himself, but remained devoted to her.

“My husband was very independent, and he liked being alone. He didn’t really care about being with anybody but me,” the 'Jolene' crooner said. “He had a few friends, but he loved being on the farm and doing his thing. He was kind of a loner, which worked out best for us.”

The couple married privately in 1966 and did not have children. Despite keeping their relationship away from the spotlight, Dolly described their marriage as “a great old love story.”

“Most people don’t stay that close that long. That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself. He will always be in my heart and in my memories,” she said. Dolly also previously explained that their differences helped sustain their relationship. In 2015, she told PEOPLE, “They say that opposites attract, and it’s true.”

“We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun. I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me,” she shared.