A Timeline of Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean’s Relationship

Dolly Parton and her longtime partner, Carl Thomas Dean, enjoyed nearly six decades of marriage.

Despite being a country music icon since the 1950s, Parton and Dean’s relationship has largely been kept out of the public eye.

On March 3, it was revealed via Parton’s Instagram that her cherished husband passed away that very day at 82 years old.

“Carl and I spent so many amazing years together. There aren’t enough words to express the love we experienced over those 60 years. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers,” she shared on Instagram, accompanying the news of his passing.

Dean, a Nashville native, was a businessman with no connections to the entertainment industry. In a 2023 interview for “What Would Dolly Do? Radio,” Parton opened up about their enduringly private relationship.

“Carl has never sought the spotlight, and he genuinely dislikes it,” Parton remarked.

She recounted that after attending one public event, he decided that wasn’t the life for him.

“He went with me to an early event after we got married — a BMI Song of the Year ceremony — and he stepped out of there, taking off his tuxedo and tie, saying, ‘Don’t ever ask me to do that again because I’m not going,'” she recalled. “And I respected that; he never went again.”

Regardless of their differing views on fame, their bond has remained strong, culminating in a celebration of 58 years of marriage last year.

Here’s a glimpse at the significant moments in their journey together, from their initial encounter at a laundromat to his unwavering support for her musical career.

Parton and Dean’s First Meeting in 1964

While many might wait years for a date in the city, Parton met her future husband on her very first day in Nashville. She recounted to the New York Times how she arrived with a pile of dirty laundry and made a stop at the “Wishy-Washy” laundromat.

“After I loaded the washing machine, I strolled down the street, soaking in my new surroundings, and this guy called out to me. I waved back,” Parton shared with the New York Times in 1976. “Being a country girl, I’m friendly with everyone. He came over, and that was Carl, my husband.”

In that 1976 interview, Parton elaborated on their first encounter.

“I wasn’t going to date him — that’s what we were taught. You need to know someone first; otherwise, they could take you somewhere dangerous. But I said, ‘You can come visit me at my house tomorrow since I’m babysitting my little nephew.’

She mentioned that he visited every day for a week, and they would sit on the porch and chat. “I wouldn’t even invite him inside,” she added.

However, the first day she was free from babysitting, Dean immediately took her to meet his parents, stating he knew from the moment he saw her that she was the one.

A Secret Wedding in 1966

After a two-year courtship, Dean proposed, and they married in May of that year. Preparing for the wedding caused some tension between Parton and her then-manager, Fred Foster.

“He advised against my marriage, saying it would complicate my promotional efforts,” she revealed in a 2012 interview with Chattanooga’s NBC affiliate WRCB.

“My mother-in-law had already sent out invites,” Parton shared. “It was heartbreaking to have to cancel the wedding.”

Nonetheless, they tied the knot in a more intimate ceremony just a week later with only her mother, Avia Lee Owens, and Pastor Don Duvall and his wife in attendance at Ringgold Baptist Church.

Parton Composes ‘Jolene’ in 1973

One of Parton’s signature songs, “Jolene,” narrates the tale of a woman pleading with Jolene not to “steal her man.” Parton stated that the song was inspired by a “flirtation” her husband had with a bank employee.

“She developed a massive crush on my husband,” Parton told NPR in 2008. “He enjoyed going to the bank because she gave him so much attention. It was a bit of a running joke between us when I’d say, ‘You’re spending a lot of time at the bank; I don’t think we have that kind of cash.’ So, the song is actually quite innocent, even though it seems otherwise.”

Parton Becomes Close with Her Bandleader in the 1980s

In a 1986 interview with Ladies’ Home Journal, later featured in her book “Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton,” the country star mentioned getting “wrapped up” in an “emotional affair” in 1982.

She remarked that she endured the heartache of “a special friend, a heart affair, which nearly broke me. I cried a river over it. But I’m not going to discuss it further,” she added with a smile. “I must maintain a hint of mystery.”

At the same time, Parton affirmed that she and Dean were not heading toward divorce, reiterating what she had expressed previously.

“We’ll always stay together,” she told People in 1982. “To him, it’s just a running gag. No other man could ever measure up to my husband, which helps keep me grounded.”

In a 1982 interview with Barbara Walters, Parton mentioned that she and her husband were quarantined at home in Tennessee due to health concerns. She joked that the time spent there had “almost ruined” their relationship.

“I’m thrilled to be heading back out,” she explained. “He’s looking forward to me leaving, and we’re both delighted to return to our usual dynamics.”

During the Walters interview, Parton mentioned that she and Dean were “flirts” but remained faithful “to the best of my ability.”

“I adore people there, and … as a woman away from home, you get attention from these attractive guys who flirt with you. Occasionally, I enjoy flirting back,” she admitted. “But I know there’s something special waiting for me at home, and I wouldn’t risk losing that for anything.”

Parton Confirms Their Partnership in 1997

In a 1997 interview with Out Magazine, in promotion of her latest remix album, Parton clarified that her longtime companion, Judy Ogle, was “just an old friend” and not her romantic partner.

“People assume that because she’s not married, she must be a lesbian, and because we’ve been together, we must be romantically involved. Truthfully, I think Judy would prefer being labeled a lesbian rather than an old maid,” she joked. “If I were gay, I couldn’t imagine a better partner than Judy. I’m as close to her as I am to (my) husband.”

She also addressed rumors about Dean’s absence.

“People don’t … see my husband because he avoids the spotlight. But I see him regularly,” she clarified.

Parton shared that the key to their enduring marriage is straightforward.

“We simply make it a point to relish what we enjoy and give each other space. I don’t intrude on his stuff, and he doesn’t intrude on mine. This allows us to get along wonderfully.”

This Out interview, along with many others, was documented in the 2017 book “Not Dumb and Not Blonde: Dolly in Conversation.” The book — co-authored by Parton and Randy Schmidt — compiles interviews with Parton dating back to 1967.

Parton and Dean Renew Their Vows

In May 2016, Parton and Dean finally had the wedding ceremony they had envisioned years earlier but never could host. The private affair took place at their home in Nashville, and she shared they “simply enjoyed the experience.”

“I wore the most stunning gown you could imagine, and I dressed my husband up. He looked like a dashing man from Hollywood,” Parton said to Rolling Stone. “We had just a few family and friends around. We kept it low-key to avoid stress, tension, or commotion, planning it thoughtfully and carefully. It was just a simple ceremony at our chapel with only a handful of people for the pictures and essentials.”

Parton noted that their vow renewal sparked inspiration for much of her album “Plain and Simple,” released that August.

Parton Surprises Dean with a Playful Playboy Look for His Birthday

In celebration of her husband’s birthday, Parton treated him to a nostalgic look that she knew he would appreciate. In July 2021, she donned a Playboy bunny outfit in his honor.

“Remember how I mentioned that I’d pose for the cover of Playboy Magazine when I turned 75? Well, I’m 75, and they no longer publish that magazine,” she said in a video at that time. “But my husband has always adored the original cover of ‘Playboy,’ so I thought it would be fun to surprise him.”

Parton was the first country artist to grace the cover of the now-defunct magazine, appearing in 1978. According to her official website, her contract back then included “very specific requirements that did not permit nudity,” yet she still sported the iconic bunny outfit.

In her 2021 video, she mentioned creating a new cover featuring her updated outfit and “the new Dolly.”

“Well, the old new Dolly,” she quipped. “In the prior one, I was a bit chubby, but now I’m more of a string cheese person.”

“But I bet he thinks I’m cream cheese,” Parton added with a lighthearted wink. “I hope!”

Parton Unveils Her 2023 Rock Album, With Dean’s Encouragement

The singer recently released her latest album, titled “Rockstar.” During her appearance on “What Would Dolly Do? Radio,” she discussed her husband’s feedback on the album.

“I played the entire album for him, and his response, which I found immensely flattering, was, ‘You know, it’s pretty good,'” she said. “For him, that’s equivalent to anyone else saying, ‘Oh, this is the best thing I’ve ever heard! It’s incredible!’

Parton noted that Dean has consistently provided honest feedback on her music.

“In the past, I tried some rock songs, and he said, ‘It’s alright. It’s alright.’ He’s refreshingly truthful. Our relationship thrives on that honesty; I know better than to ask him if I’m not prepared for a forthright answer.”

Parton Shares the News of Dean’s Passing

On March 3, Parton shared a heartfelt statement on her Instagram, announcing her husband’s death.

“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 attended by immediate family members. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the announcement read, followed by a personal note from Parton.

“Carl and I enjoyed countless wonderful years together. Words can’t fully encapsulate the love we experienced over more than 60 years. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers,” the singer expressed.