Listen To Dolly Parton’s Touching Song About Her Husband, Carl Dean

Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, shared one of the most enduring love stories in country music history. Their relationship was quiet, deeply personal, and remarkably strong — lasting more than six decades.

The two met just days after Dolly arrived in Nashville to chase her dreams. What began as a chance encounter outside a laundromat became a lifelong bond. They married on May 30, 1966, and remained together until Carl Dean’s passing in 2025.

Parton’s team confirmed the heartbreaking news on March 4, 2025:

“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”

Dolly also shared her own words of farewell:

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Dolly Parton announces the passing of her husband, Carl Dean. (Photo credit: Dolly Parton / Instagram)

A Marriage Unlike Any Other

Dolly and Carl were married for nearly 59 years, yet very few photos of them together exist. That wasn’t by accident. Carl Dean was intensely private and avoided the spotlight entirely. He rarely attended public events and famously saw Dolly perform live only once.

While Dolly became one of the most recognizable figures in the world, Carl chose a life of quiet support behind the scenes. Their contrasting personalities became the secret to their success.

“They say that opposites attract, and it’s true,” Dolly told People in 2015. “We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun. I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me.”

When the couple renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary, it marked one of the rare moments Carl allowed the public a glimpse into their world — and it became the most media attention he ever received.

Carl Dean and Dolly Parton (Photo credit: NBC / Splash News)

“Marry Me” — A Song From the Heart

In 2001, Dolly released Little Sparrow, an album filled with emotion and reflection. One track in particular, “Marry Me,” stood out as a tender tribute to Carl Dean.

The lyrics reveal how deeply in love she was:

“’Cause he knows a lot about love and stuff
And he’s gonna marry me.”

The song captures the innocence, devotion, and certainty that defined their relationship. Today, it feels even more powerful — a musical love letter to the man who stood by her side through every chapter of life.

Accompanied by a slideshow of their years together, “Marry Me” is not just a song. It is a window into a love that never needed applause, headlines, or fame to survive.

It only needed two people who chose each other — every day — for over 60 years.