Country music queen and rhinestone enthusiast Dolly Parton has announced that her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, has officially traded in his earthly boots for a pair of angelic slippers.
On Monday (March 3), Carl, 82, passed away in Nashville, Tenn. Dolly, 78, released a heartfelt statement that somehow still wasn’t as emotional as her hit song Jolene.
“Carl and I had an incredible life together. If I had a dollar for every wonderful memory, I’d be even richer than I already am,” Dolly shared with IconicHipster.com. “Words can’t truly capture our love, but y’all know I’ve tried with a song or two.”
Her publicist confirmed that Carl will have a private send-off, attended by close family—so, basically, just a few people and an acoustic guitar for emotional support.
For those who don’t know, Dolly met Carl outside the legendary Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville at 18. (Yes, their love story began with the smell of detergent and dreams.) They tied the knot two years later in a tiny wedding that probably cost less than one of Dolly’s wigs.
Despite being married to one of the most famous women on Earth, Carl spent his life ducking cameras like he was in witness protection. Over the years, Dolly only sprinkled a few rare photos of him into the world, just to remind folks that he was real and not some country music myth.
Carl is survived by Dolly and his two siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
We’re sending all our love and support to Dolly during this time. And Carl—wherever you are, we hope you’re getting the VIP tour of heaven. RIP.
