It’s been four months since the country music legend Dolly Parton lost her beloved husband Carl Dean. They had been married for almost 60 years before he died on March 3, 2025 at the age of 82.
Now, Parton is speaking out to make a heartbreaking announcement about career in the wake of Dean’s death.
Parton’s Heartbreaking Career Decision
While being interviewed by Khloe Kardashian on her podcast Khloe in Wonder Land, Parton revealed that she’s put her recording career on hold since her husband died in March.
“I can’t do it right now ‘cause I got so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, of getting emotional right now,” Parton explained.
Parton went on to admit that she is currently “stalled” as she continues to grieve.
“I’ll write something else, though, if it comes. I’m just putting that all on hold,” Parton added.
Parton Honors Dean With Emotional Song
After Dean died, Parton released the emotional ballad “If You Hadn’t Been There.” Parton announced the song on Instagram alongside a photo of herself standing behind Dean with her arms wrapped around him.
“Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end,” she wrote. “They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
Full Story: Dolly Parton Releases Emotional New Song To Honor Late Husband Carl Dean Days After His Death
Parton announced Dean’s death to the world hours after his passing on March 3.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she wrote on social media. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Dean ‘Is In God’s Arms Now’
Days later, Parton issued another statement thanking her fans and loved ones for their support.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” Parton said. “I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me.”
“He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” she continued. This was a clear reference to her 1973 hit song “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton’s History With Dean
Parton was only 18 years-old when she met Dean at a Nashville laundromat back in 1964. This was actually the Parton’s first day in Nashville after she moved there from her small town to pursue her country music dreams. They married in 1966, and they had been together ever since.
“I’m doing better than I thought I would,” Parton told Knox News weeks after Dean’s death. “I’ve been with him 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close.”
“I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that don’t keep me from missing him and loving him,” Parton continued, adding that Dean “suffered a great deal” before he finally passed away.
“It’s a hole in my heart, you know, but we’ll fill that up with good stuff and he’ll still always be with me,” she concluded.
Though he was married to one of the most famous women in the world, Dean preferred to stay out of the public eye. Instead, he preferred living a quiet life on the Tennessee farm that he shared with Parton.
This has clearly been a very difficult few months for Parton. Please join us in saying a prayer for her as she continues to mourn the love of her life!
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