Before he passed away at the age of 82, the husband and wife had been married for almost 60 years.
For a straightforward reason, Dolly Parton and her late husband Carl Dean chose not to have children during their nearly 60-year marriage.
The 79-year-old singer of “9 to 5” earlier told Oprah Winfrey that her career was able to progress since she didn’t have children.
Parton stated, “I had freedom because I didn’t have children and my husband was fairly self-sufficient,” during an episode of The Oprah Conversation on Apple TV+ in November 2020. “So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work.”
Long before they became famous, Dean got to know the country legend.
After Parton relocated to Nashville to pursue her career as a vocalist, they met outside a laundry when she was barely eighteen years old.
Two years later, in 1966, the couple got married, although Dean avoided the limelight while the “Jolene” singer became well-known.
“I didn’t have children because I believed that God didn’t mean for me to have kids so everybody’s kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library because if I hadn’t had the freedom to work, I wouldn’t have done all the things I’ve done,” she said. “I wouldn’t be in a position to do all of the things I’m doing now.”
The goal of her Imagination Library, which has been in operation for 30 years, is to provide children with free books until they start school.
“I’ve sacrificed, but I believe what I know I’m supposed to do,” she added in reference to her purpose.
Parton also made sure to spend quality time with Dean when she wasn’t occupied.
She said to Parade in December 2015, “We drive through these little drive-through restaurants.” We visit all part of Kentucky and Tennessee, which are accessible by car at night. There are occasions when we will stay at a Days Inn [motel] where we can simply pull up and let me in. As long as the bed is clean and there is a bathroom, we don’t mind. That’s the way we live.
Parton paid tribute to her long-time boyfriend on social media on Monday, March 3, the day she revealed Dean’s passing. “He
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“Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died in Nashville on March 3rd at the age of 82. His immediate relatives will attend the private ceremony where he will be buried. “His siblings Sandra and Donnie survive him,” the post stated.
“I had a lot of amazing years with Carl. The love we had for more than 60 years is beyond words. “Thank you for your condolences and prayers,” Parton’s message went on. “The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
