Carl Thomas Dean, husband of country music singer Dolly Parton, has died at age 82.
Dean, who has largely stayed out of the public eye throughout his wife’s decades-long career, died on Monday in Nashville, the “Jolene” singer confirmed in a statement shared to her Instagram account.
Dean’s cause of death was not disclosed. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by his closest family members, the statement said.
In addition to Parton, Dean is survived by his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
“The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time,” the statement concludes.
Parton—who grew up in Locust Ridge, a rural community in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee—met Dean in 1964 outside a laundromat on the day she moved to Nashville. The aspiring country singer, then 18, had just graduated from high school.
“I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” she said. “He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”
The couple went on to marry in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, on May 30, 1966, two years after meeting. The wedding was attended only by Parton’s mother, Avie Lee, a preacher, and the preacher’s wife.
“Since that day, Dolly and Carl have lived happily ever after. ... They’ve loved and supported each other while respecting each other’s independence,” reads Parton’s website.
“Nearly every aspect of Dolly and Carl’s personalities complement one another. While one would think Dolly would be the most entertaining of the two, she often says that it’s Carl’s unique sense of humor which keeps her laughing. Given Dolly’s larger-than-life outlook on everything, it makes perfect sense that her one-and-only would be equally as special in every way.”
Parton’s social media post triggered an outpouring of supportive messages in the comment section.
Television personality Khloe Kardashian expressed her deepest condolences, sending her love and prayers to Parton.
“Oh my heart! I am so sorry for your loss!” Kardashian wrote. “My heart aches for you!”
Actress Nikki DeLoach shared a similar sentiment, writing: “I am so sorry Dolly. Wrapping you up in my love and prayers.”
“My heart is with you,” commented author Bonnie Burton.
“Bless his soul. And bless yours. May his memory be a comfort to you always,” penned Martha Plimpton, an actress known for her roles in the 1985 adventure comedy film “The Goonies” and the Fox sitcom “Raising Hope.”
“What a gift they both shared. This is heavy,” wrote celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter.
Comedian Justin Martindale wrote: “Dolly you have the whole world giving you a hug.
“Heaven let your light shine down.”
