Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married for an impressive 58 years. The couple tied the knot on May 30, 1966, in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, and made a conscious decision not to have children.
Throughout their decades-long marriage, Dean has rarely been seen in public. Parton attributes the success of their marriage to keeping her career and relationship separate.
Parton and Dean’s love story began in 1964 when the country singer had just moved to Nashville to pursue her music career. They met at a laundromat, and the 22-year-old man and 18-year-old woman quickly fell in love.
When celebrating their 51st anniversary, Parton revealed that the secret to their successful marriage is keeping her personal life private. She stated that while it wasn’t Dean’s choice, she keeps him out of the spotlight out of love and respect.
Despite some people speculating that Dean is imaginary due to his absence from the public eye, Parton has clarified that he is a real, quiet, and reserved person who values his privacy.
Dean chose to love Parton but not the entertainment industry, and out of respect, she has kept him away from the limelight. This separation has allowed them to maintain a personal and sacred relationship.
Parton often jokes that their marriage has lasted because she is mostly out of the house. The couple shares a great sense of humor, enjoys each other’s company, and deeply respects and admires one another.
Dean isn’t resentful of Parton’s fame and career; instead, he enjoys hearing about her work. Parton appreciates these qualities in Dean and believes she couldn’t find them in anyone else. They hold on to each other and share a deep love.
A source close to the couple revealed that Parton and Dean are in their marriage for the long haul. They understand and complement each other, making them a perfect team.
Parton has opened up about their life together away from the public eye. They engage in numerous activities on their farm, where Dean enjoys maintaining the fields and working on farm equipment.
Despite her fame and wealth, Parton cherishes the simple life she shares with Dean. They enjoy traveling around town in their RV, visiting drive-through restaurants, and staying at motels with clean beds and bathrooms.
The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at their home in Nashville with a simple country dinner of chicken and dumplings and pecan ice cream, Dean’s favorite.
Previously, they had planned to renew their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary with a small gathering of family and friends, followed by a honeymoon.
Parton has settled into life at home with Dean and doesn’t plan to go on a full-blown music tour again. She wants to stay close to home to be with her husband, especially as they age.
Parton and Dean have demonstrated their love and commitment for more than half a century. They continue to cherish each other’s company and keep their love alive, with humor playing a significant role in their enduring relationship.