It’s been nearly three 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 opening up about his death like never before. Indeed, she’s revealing the sad secret that she kept for Dean before his death to protect his privacy.
Parton Protected Dean’s Privacy To The End
Fans were shocked when Dean’s death was announced, as nobody had known that he was in poor health.
In a new interview, however, Parton revealed that he had actually been “ill for quite a while” before his death. Parton had kept this a secret from her fans in order to protect Dean’s privacy.
This should come as a surprise to nobody, as Dean was an extremely private person throughout his life. Despite being married to one of the most famous women in the world, Dean always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Parton honored his wishes right until the very end by keeping his declining health a secret.
“I really feel his presence. I just try to go on, because I know I have to,” Parton, 79, told The Independent. “And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”
Parton Leans On Her Faith
Parton went on to talk about how her strong Christian faith has helped her come to terms with her husband’s death.
“I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday,” she explained.
“And I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together,” Parton continued. “You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans – but that’s the hardest part.”
Parton concluded by saying that as she mourns Dean, she’s put her energy into “other things.” In doing so, she makes sure to “keep him ever-present in everything that I do.”
Related: Dolly Parton Turns to God After Losing Her Husband Of Nearly 60 Years
Parton Announces Dean’s Death
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. “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
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.
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!
More About:Celebrity News