# Dolly Parton's marriage thrived despite late husband not being 'biggest fan' of her music

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean had one of the entertainment industry's most enduring marriages, but very little is known about the country music legend's late husband. Despite being married to the internationally famous singer for almost 60 years, Dean, who died on March 3 at the age of 82, was a very private man who steered clear of the spotlight and was rarely seen in public.

He's being remembered by Parton in a new song she promoted on social media called "If You Hadn't Been There."



Country music legend Dolly Parton discusses her faith, family and music on America Reports.



Dolly Parton and Carl Dean's marriage thrived for almost 60 years, though he wasn't the "biggest fan" of her music.

"I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old," she wrote on Instagram. "We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."

The emotional song features lyrics like "If you hadn't been there, where would I be / Without your trust, love and belief / The ups and downs we've always shared / And I wouldn't be here if you hadn't been there."





Dolly Parton and her late husband Carl Dean's marriage thrived for almost 60 years, though he wasn't the "biggest fan" of her music. (Dolly Parton Instagram)

"I’m going to marry that girl," Dean told Entertainment Tonight about meeting Parton for the first time. "My second thought was, 'Lord, she’s good-looking.' And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this Earth."

Over the years, Parton provided glimpses into their lives during interviews and has occasionally shared throwback photos of herself with Dean on social media. In 2021, she shared a throwback snap of the two, writing, "Find you a partner who will support you like my Carl Dean does!"



Parton announced Dean's death in a heartfelt statement that she shared on Instagram on March 3.

"The love I shared with Carl Dean was so strong that words can't do justice to the love we shared," the  wrote. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."

On Thursday, Parton expressed her gratitude for the love and support that she had received following Dean's passing.



"This is a love note to family, friends, and fans," Parton shared on Instagram. "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."

"I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me," she added. "He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you."





Parton met Dean outside a laundromat when she was 18 and he was 21. Two years later, the couple married in 1966 during a ceremony that was only attended by her mother, Avie Lee, the preacher and the preacher's wife.

During his lifetime, Dean rarely gave interviews. However, in 2016, he spoke lovingly of Parton while the couple were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

"My first thought was, 'I'm going to marry that girl,'" Dean told Entertainment Tonight about meeting Parton for the first time. "My second thought was, 'Lord, she’s good-looking.' And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this Earth."

Over the years, Parton provided  during interviews and has occasionally shared throwback photos of herself with Dean on social media. In 2022, she posted an image of herself with her longtime love, saying, "Find you a partner who will support you like my Carl Dean does!"





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Parton announced Dean's death in a heartfelt statement that she shared on Instagram on March 3.

"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," the  wrote. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."

On Thursday, Parton expressed her gratitude for the love and support that she had received following Dean's passing.



"This is a love note to family, friends, and fans," Parton shared on Instagram. "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."

"I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me," she added. "He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you."



Parton met Dean outside a laundromat when she was 18 and he was 21. Two years later, the couple married in 1966 during a ceremony that was only attended by her mother, Avie Lee, the preacher and the preacher's wife.
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