Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have shared 58 years of blissful marriage, largely away from the public eye. Despite Dolly’s fame, Carl prefers to stay out of the limelight, a decision that Dolly deeply respects.
A Love Story That Began in 1964
Dolly and Carl’s romance began in 1964 when Dolly moved to Nashville to pursue her music career. They first met at a laundromat, and it was love at first sight for the 18-year-old Dolly and 22-year-old Carl. They tied the knot on May 30, 1966, in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.
Throughout their marriage, Carl has chosen to stay out of the public eye. Dolly believes this separation between their personal and professional lives has been crucial to their lasting relationship. She once said that keeping her husband out of the spotlight helps keep their marriage strong.
The Secret to Their Happy Marriage
After more than five decades together, Dolly shared that keeping their marriage private has been key. She loves Carl too much to expose him to the pressures of her industry. This decision has often led people to speculate that Carl doesn’t exist because he’s rarely seen.
Dolly describes Carl as a calm and private person who would never enjoy the constant attention that comes with show business. Despite Dolly’s immense fame, Carl chose not to pursue a career in the public eye, which Dolly respects deeply. She believes this choice has helped maintain their distinct and unified lives.
Humble and Down-to-Earth
Dolly often jokes that their marriage has lasted so long because they don’t live in each other’s pockets. She feels that their relationship thrives because they respect each other’s space and have a great sense of humor.
Carl has never been envious of Dolly’s career. Instead, he is genuinely interested in her work and enjoys hearing about her day. Dolly cherishes these qualities in Carl and believes she could never find them in anyone else.
Life on the Farm
Dolly and Carl spend much of their time on their farm, away from the hustle and bustle. Carl, who used to run a paving business, is happiest when working on their property, maintaining the barn, and taking care of the fields.
Dolly loves the simple life they lead together. They often take short trips around Tennessee and Kentucky in their RV, avoiding fast food places and preferring clean motels with spotless bathrooms.
Celebrating Milestones Together
Even with Dolly’s considerable wealth, the couple prefers quiet celebrations. For their 55th wedding anniversary, they enjoyed a simple country meal at their home in Nashville, including Dolly’s chicken and dumplings and Carl’s favorite dessert, pecan ice cream.
Looking Ahead
Dolly has decided to slow down her touring schedule to spend more time with Carl. She doesn’t want to leave him for long periods, especially as they both grow older. She also doesn’t want to disappoint her fans if she has to cancel a tour due to family emergencies. Dolly plans to perform occasionally at festivals or special events but won’t embark on long tours anymore.
A Lasting Love
For nearly six decades, Dolly and Carl have shown unwavering love and commitment to each other. Their enduring humor and deep affection have kept their relationship strong through the years. Dolly often speaks with admiration and gratitude for Carl, happy to have found such a loving and supportive partner in him.
