Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82.
On Thursday, March 6, the country music icon took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received following Dean’s passing.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans,” wrote the 79-year-old singer. “Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers you’ve sent to honor the memory of my beloved husband Carl.”
She continued, “He is in God’s arms now, and I am at peace with that. I will always love you,” a touching nod to her iconic 1973 hit song.
Dean, who passed away on March 3 in Nashville, is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
In a separate statement, Parton reflected on their enduring love story, writing, “Carl and I shared so many wonderful years together. Words can’t fully capture the depth of the love we had for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy during this difficult time.”
Dean, a Nashville native, first met Parton at a laundromat in 1964. In a rare interview with *Entertainment Tonight* in 2016, Dean recalled, “That was the day my life began.”
The couple married in 1966, but Dean chose to live a private life, staying out of the spotlight despite his wife’s global fame. His quiet support and unwavering presence were constants in Parton’s life, even as she rose to superstardom.
Parton’s tribute to her late husband has touched fans worldwide, reminding everyone of the enduring power of love and partnership.
