Legendary singer and songwriter Dolly Parton has announced the passing of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean. Parton shared the news on Instagram in the early hours of March 4, 2025, confirming that Dean passed away the previous day.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie. 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. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.”
Dean and Parton first met when she was 18 and had just moved to Nashville. They married two years later, on May 30, 1966, in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
