Following the passing of her husband Carl Dean, Dolly Parton makes a statement

Businessman Carl Dean, who was married to country music icon Dolly Parton for a long time, has died. Reports state that yesterday, March 3, Dean, 82, died in his birthplace of Nashville, Tennessee. In an emotional statement, 79-year-old Parton described how “words can’t do justice to the love” the couple shared.

The couple, who have been married for over 60 years, first exchanged vows in May 1966 and then reaffirmed them nine years ago. Parton issued the following statement once the public learnt of Dean’s passing: “Carl and I had many amazing years together. The love we had for more than 60 years is beyond words. I appreciate your condolences and prayers.

Their relatives have also requested “privacy during this difficult time.” It has been reported that Dean’s immediate relatives will attend a private service for his funeral. Despite never having children, Dean and Parton were renowned for their unwavering devotion to one another.

The two lovers remained together for more than 60 years in spite of the demands of the music business and the unavoidable stress that comes with having Dolly’s level of fame.

Dean stated early on that he had no issue with his wife pursuing a career in music, but that he didn’t want any of the limelight himself, Parton revealed during an appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast last year. “Look, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going,” Parton disclosed on the podcast, but he never did. “He loves music, but he’s not interested in being in it at all,” she continued. And he was upfront with me about that.

According to legend, Dean and Parton first fell in love in 1964 outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean was 21 and Parton was 18. She revealed to The New York Times in 1976 that when Dean saw Parton outdoors and “hollered” at her, sparks flew as he passed by in his pickup truck. Some depressing news Dolly Parton’s husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, passed away.

He was eighty-two. Carl and I had a lot of amazing years together. The love we had for more than 60 years is beyond words. I appreciate your condolences and prayers.

While running a road-paving company, Parton’s husband provided her with backstage support during her ascent to fame.