Dolly Parton recently shared her feelings about the passing of her cherished spouse, Carl Dean, who died on March 3, two months prior to her interview on the “TODAY” show.
During her conversation on the show, the 79-year-old country music legend became visibly emotional. Parton and Dean had been married for almost six decades. “I become very emotional when people mention it,” Parton revealed to Savannah Guthrie. “We had been together for 60 years. I loved him since I was 18.”
Parton admitted that adapting to life without her husband has been challenging. “Adjusting to new routines and habits is tough,” she said. Despite the difficulty, she remains busy with her work, which has been a significant help to her during this time. “I’ll be okay. My work keeps me going, which has been a blessing. Of course, I’ll always miss him and love him. He was a wonderful partner.”
Gratitude for Global Support
The “9 to 5” singer expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences she has received since Dean’s death. “I’ve received countless cards, letters, and flowers from around the world,” she shared, adding with a light-hearted comment, “I had no idea Carl Dean was so well-known.”
A particular moment that deeply moved Parton was a heartfelt interaction with a young fan during a parade at her Dollywood theme park. “I recall seeing him at the parade. I thought, ‘Sweetheart, are you about to have a heart attack right here?’” she recounted. “It was incredibly sweet. I just wanted to jump off the cart and hug him. It was wonderful.”
The affection she experienced that day overwhelmed her. “After the parade, I got into the van and just cried for a long time, overwhelmed by all the love and emotions,” she continued.
Parton officially announced her husband’s death on March 3, stating he was 82 at the time of his passing. “Carl and I shared many wonderful years together,” she wrote in a statement. “No words can truly express the depth of our love over the past 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
A Musical Tribute to Her Late Husband
Three days following his death, Parton released a song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There” in tribute to Dean. She shared on Instagram, “Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, it never ends. It lives on in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”
In her song, Parton sings about the indispensable support Dean provided her throughout their life together. “If you hadn’t been there / Where would I be? / Without your trust, love, and belief,” she sings, emphasizing, “The ups and downs / We’ve always shared / And I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t been there.”
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