It’s been two months since the country music legend Dolly Parton lost her husband Carl Dean, who she was married to for nearly sixty years. He died on March 3 at the age of 82 from an unspecified illness.
Parton Gets Choked Up Discussing Dean
On Friday morning, Parton fought back tears as she talked about Dean while being interviewed on the TODAY show.
“Oh, you know what, I get very emotional when people bring it up,” said Parton, 79. “But we were together 60 years. I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old.”
“It’s a big adjustment just trying to change patterns and habits,” she continued. “I’ll do fine, and I’m very involved in my work and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. But I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.”
Parton went on to say that she’s grateful for all the love and support that she’s received from fans.
“I’m so thankful. I’ve gotten so many cards, letters, flowers, from all over the world,” she said. Parton then jokingly added, “I had no idea Carl Dean was so famous.”
Despite being married to one of the most famous women in the world, Dean typically stayed out of the spotlight. Indeed, he preferred a quieter life on the Tennessee farm that he shared with Parton.
Related: Dolly Parton Releases Emotional New Song To Honor Late Husband Carl Dean Days After His Death
Parton And Dean’s History
Parton was only 18 years-old when she met Dean at a Nashville laundromat back in 1964. This was actually 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.
Parton announced Dean’s death to the world hours after his passing.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she wrote on social media at the time. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
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 Reveals How She’s Coping
Weeks later, Parton talked to Knox News about how she’s coping with Dean’s death.
“I’m doing better than I thought I would,” Parton admitted. “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,” she continued. Parton then said that Dean “suffered a great deal” before he finally passed away. While she misses him dearly, it’s clear that she’s happy that he is no longer in pain.
“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.
Full Story: Dolly Parton Reveals Her Late Husband Carl Dean ‘Suffered A Great Deal’ Before Passing – ‘I’m At Peace That He’s At Peace’
Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult things that someone can go through, particularly when they’ve been together as long as Parton and Dean were. Please join us in saying a prayer for Parton as she continues to mourn Dean!
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