Dolly Parton and Carl Dean. Courtesy Dolly Parton/Instagram
Celebrities are sharing their condolences with Dolly Parton after the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
The country icon, 79, confirmed on Monday, March 3, that Dean passed away at the age of 82. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton wrote via an Instagram statement. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Parton shared that her husband of nearly 60 years died in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee and would be “laid to rest in a private ceremony.” A cause of death was not revealed.
Dean was born in Nashville in 1942. He met Parton when he was 21 and she was 18 while outside a Wishy Washy laundromat, and the pair tied the knot two years later. “My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” Dean said in a 2016 statement for the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. “My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin’.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”
Throughout her career, Dean chose to remain out of the spotlight, leading an ultra-private lifestyle. In January 2022, Parton opened up exclusively to Us Weekly about what made the couple a “perfect” match.
“We both have a great sense of humor,” she explained. “We’re able to solve any problem and any situation, making a joke about it and not letting it get too heavy, but we respect each other and we like each other. We lucked up, let’s put it that way.”
She continued: “You know, most people can keep a marriage [going strong] if you make a little effort. Some people just get slouching and lazy and [it’s] about stuff that ain’t important, like leaving the toilet seat up. And if that’s the worst thing you’ve [got] to worry about, you’re already in trouble.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars are honoring Dean after his passing:
Lainey Wilson
The singer sent Parton her affection in the comments section, writing, “I love you ❤️.”
Khloe Kardashian
“Oh my heart! I am so sorry for your loss! My heart aches for you! My deepest condolences. ❤️🩹,” Kardashian wrote via Instagram, adding, “Praying for you and sending you love and prayers 😖.”
Diplo
“That’s beautiful you to have such a long time with your husband,” the DJ commented via Instagram. “I hope he rests easy.”
Morgane Stapleton
The singer-songwriter and wife of country star Chris Stapleton commented via Instagram, “We love you ♥️.”
Jessie James Decker
“Oh Dolly I’m so sorry ❤️we love you ❤️,” Decker wrote.
The Wiggles
The children’s musical group sent their condolences, writing, “So sorry for your loss Dolly. Sending you love and strength ❤️.”
Nicole Maines
The actress commented: “We all love you extra much today ❤️.”
Nikki DeLoach
The Hallmark star wrote, “I’m so sorry Dolly. Wrapping you up in my love and prayers. ❤️🩹.”
Martina McBride
The fellow country singer wrote: “Sending you so much love to you. 🙏.”
Tish Cyrus
The close family friend of Parton — and Miley Cyrus’ mom — commented, “Love you Dolly ❤️.”
Padma Lakshmi
The Food Network chef told Parton she was “so sorry for your immense loss. ❤️❤️.”
Jewel
“Awwww- so sorry Dolly sending all the love and prayers …,” the singer wrote.
Heather Gay
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star said she was “💔 sending love” to Parton.
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