Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s devoted husband of nearly 60 years, died Monday at the age of 82.
Dean died in Nashville, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.
“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,” Parton wrote in a statement.
The family has asked for respect and privacy. No cause of death was announced.
Though he maintained a private life away from the spotlight, reports indicate that he struggled with age-related health issues, including high blood pressure and heart problems.
In 2019, it was reported that Dean had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive condition that affects memory and cognitive function.
This diagnosis reportedly led to a decline in his physical activity and increased reliance on Parton and their staff for support.
Parton herself has spoken about prioritizing her time with Dean as his health became a concern, even scaling back her career to focus on family.
