Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” Muse And Lifelong Love, Her Husband Carl Dean, Passes Away At 82
Carl Dean, the devoted and private husband of country music legend Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82. The couple's marriage spanned nearly six decades.
Their story began in 1964, on Parton's very first day in Nashville. At just 18 years old, she encountered Dean at the Wishy Washy Laundromat. Reflecting on that meeting, Parton once shared, "I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about."
Two years later, on May 30, 1966, they exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Despite Parton's soaring fame, Dean chose a life away from the spotlight, dedicating himself to his asphalt-paving business in Nashville. His aversion to public attention was so profound that he seldom accompanied his wife to events, leading some to question his very existence—a notion Parton playfully addressed over the years.
Their contrasting personalities seemed to be the glue that held them together. Parton often credited their successful marriage to their differences, noting that Dean's reserved nature complemented her vivacious persona. She once remarked, "They say that opposites attract, and it's true. We're completely opposite, but that's what makes it fun."
Dean's influence on Parton's music was subtle yet significant. He inspired the classic song "Jolene," a tale born from a bank teller's flirtations with Dean. Parton recounted how the red-haired teller's attention to her husband led to the creation of the iconic tune.
In 2016, to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple renewed their vows in an intimate ceremony at their Nashville home. Parton donned a beautiful wedding dress, fulfilling a long-held wish, as their original wedding had been a modest affair. She shared, "He looked like a handsome dude out of Hollywood."
In a sweet statement, she expressed, "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."
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