Their love story began in 1964 when Parton, newly arrived in Nashville, met Carl at a laundromat. After initially being cautious, she agreed to go out with him, and by May 1966, they were married. While Parton’s career flourished, Dean remained private, avoiding the public eye and supporting her from the background.
Their bond remained strong, marked by quiet moments and shared values. Parton often joked about how well-guarded their private life was. After 58 years of marriage, Carl Dean passed away on March 3, 2025, leaving Parton to cherish their lasting love.
