“I see him everyday in my memories” - Dolly Parton reveals how she’s coping with grief following beloved husband’s death

As per a recent article by ABC News, entertainment icon Dolly Parton said that her steadfast faith inspired some of her best hits, including I Believe and Lord Hold My Hand and helped her process her grief after the death of her beloved husband Carl Dean.

“I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday. And I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together. You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans — but that’s the hardest part.” Dolly Parton told the Associated Press.

This happened during the promotion of Dolly Parton's new single-serve southern-inspired frozen meals via a collaboration with a US-based firm called Conagra Brands. The promotion of frozen meals happened after the musician promoted her popular Duncan Hikes baking mixes.

Dolly Parton further elaborated that she misses her husband, and a part of her was at peace that he is in a better place now.

“I just try to go on, because I know I have to. And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”

Dolly Parton briefed the Associated Press, Dean being the singer's biggest cheerleader and supporting her through all phases of life. Parton also mentioned that Dean was extremely proud of her.

Carl knew that better than anybody and he was all about it. He was very proud of me. … So when I did lose him, I just thought, well, I’m going to take all of that energy, and I'm just going to put that back into other things, and I’ll keep him ever-present in everything that I do." Parton told the publication.

Parton further told the publication about the launch of her new book, Star of the Show, which was a song she wrote years ago.

I have a new book coming out ... this one is called ‘Star of the Show,’ which is actually a song I wrote years ago. But it’s about my life on the road and my life on stage — all the behind the scenes and all the people that I’ve met, and all of the things that happen when you’re traveling like that as I have for all of these years. So, that, and then I have my life story as a musical" said Dolly Parton

About Dolly Parton's husband's demise

Dolly Parton, who is an icon of country music, lost her husband, Carl Dean, at the age of 82 around March 2025. Parton and Dean were happily married for around 60 years, and Dean had inspired some noteworthy tracks written by Dolly Parton, like Jolene and her 2023 album, Rockstar.

"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," the statement read. Parton recalled her years spent with Dean in an interview with BBC News in March 2025.

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Parton met Dean outside a laundromat when she was 18 years old and had moved to Nashville to become a singer.

"I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about." Parton gave insights to BBC News.

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