Remembering Carl Dean: Dolly Parton’s Beloved Husband and Inspiration Behind ‘Jolene’ Passes Away at 82

Carl Dean, the beloved husband of Dolly Parton for nearly 60 years, has passed away at the age of 82. He died on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be remembered in a private ceremony with close family members.

Dolly shared her heartfelt feelings in a statement, saying, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and no cause of death has been disclosed.

Dolly met Carl on her first day in Nashville, outside a laundromat when she was just 18. She recalls being surprised by how attentively he spoke to her, showing genuine interest in her life. It only took two years after their first meeting for them to tie the knot on May 30, 1966, in a small wedding in Ringgold, Georgia.

Carl was known for his work in business, particularly owning an asphalt-paving company in Nashville. He grew up with two siblings, Sandra and Donnie, and his mother, Virginia, was fondly referred to by Dolly as “Mama Dean.”

One of the most interesting aspects of their relationship is how Carl inspired Dolly’s iconic song, “Jolene.” In a 2008 interview, she revealed that the song was about a flirty bank teller who developed a crush on him. Dolly humorously noted that Carl enjoyed visiting the bank because of all the attention he received, creating a lighthearted tension that turned into the classic song.

Dolly has often emphasized the need for privacy in their relationship. In 1984, she amusingly remarked that some people believed Carl was just a fictional character to help shield her from unwanted attention. She even joked about wanting to feature him on a magazine cover to prove he was real.

In 2023, Dolly shared that Carl continued to be her inspiration, particularly for her recent album “Rockstar.” She mentioned how much he enjoys rock music and included one of his favorite songs, “My Blue Tears,” in the album. She also covered some classic rock anthems that he loves, like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

Carl Dean leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration, not just for Dolly, but for countless fans who admire their enduring bond.

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Dolly Parton, Carl Dean, Nashville, Celebrity, GA State Wire, TN State Wire, Celebrity deaths, Notable Deaths, Entertainment, Tennessee, Georgia, Country music