Dolly Parton and Carl Dean: A Love Story Spanning Nearly 60 Years
Despite being together for more than half a century, Carl Dean remained an enigma to the public. In a 2015 interview with Parade, Dolly Parton shared that his preference for privacy never diminished her love for him:
“I married a really good man, a guy that’s completely different from me,” she said. “He loves to hear about the things I do. I love to hear about the things he does. So we enjoy each other’s company.”
Parton also expressed how much joy she found in simply spending time with her husband:
“I’m also very happy when I’m home with him and we do our little things together,” she shared. “We have a little RV, we travel around… sight-see all of Tennessee and Kentucky, the areas that we can get back home from at night.”
Dolly Parton on What Made Her Love Carl Dean & Why They Were a Perfect Match
When asked how she remained devoted to Carl Dean despite meeting countless glamorous men throughout her career, Dolly Parton had a simple answer:
“He understands me, he gets me. He’s very secure within himself. He’s never been jealous. It’s a great compliment to me. This is his statement: ‘Well, hell, I know it’s not easy out there. I’d feel less about any man that didn’t fall in love with you.’ So that’s his attitude. Because of that, I realize I’d never find that again in anybody. He loves me, and I love him.”
Though Dean remained a private figure, one thing was undeniable—he brought Dolly Parton joy:
“We get along good,” she shared. “He’s got a great sense of humor. We’ve just been best buddies and best friends and, evidently, it’s working!”
And it certainly did. Parton and Dean shared nearly 60 years of love and companionship before his passing on March 3, 2025.
Watch the interview below to hear Dolly Parton reflect on her marriage to Carl Dean.