Carl Dean, the husband of Dolly Parton and the inspiration for her hit song “Jolene,” passed away on Monday (March 2) at the age of 82. Dean and Parton had been married for nearly six decades.
Representatives for Parton announced Dean’s passing in a statement on Instagram.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending,” the statement said. “He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”
Quoting Parton, the post read, “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.”
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“The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time,” the post concluded.
Parton has not publicly disclosed Dean’s cause of death.
Parton and Dean were married in 1966. And while Dean did not often appear publicly alongside Parton at performances and events, Parton often spoke about the friendship she and Dean shared in their marriage.
“I really believe that that was one of God’s greatest gifts to give me: Carl Dean,” Parton previously said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “We’re best buds.”
Joking about Dean’s absence from the public eye, Parton once joked, “He’s too pretty; I’m afraid to let him out!”
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Parton’s 1973 song “Jolene” was inspired by a woman of the same name who was a “beautiful redheaded, long-legged” bank teller who, according to Parton, had a crush on Dean.
