'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAIBAAAQQCAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACAwQRIWEFBhITMf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBEUH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AJCtbpSdlS0LHoPURG2EE1Wl4frAD8cbPOlk9+SB16wWkvBkcQ7xxnf1EUpFC2H/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dolly Parton has shared a new statement addressed to her well-wishers and supporters in wake of the recent passing of her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean. Parton took to her social media platforms to pen an emotional note for her loved ones and fans who paid their respects to her late husband.
On March 6, Parton shared the note on X and Instagram, writing,
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you've sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl. I can't reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God's arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
The message holds extra weight for fans of her music. The line “I will always love you,” is reminiscent of one of the country musician's famous songs. Dolly Parton had written and produced a single titled “I Will Always Love You” in 1974 to bid adieu to her mentor, Porter Wagoner. In an old conversation with Nashville Songwriters Association International, as quoted in The Tennessean, she had described the significance of the song, saying,
“I thought, ‘How am I gonna make him understand how much I appreciate everything, but that I have to go? He won't listen to me. He's not listening to reason when I want to go!’ So I went home and I thought, ‘Well, what do you do best? You write songs.’ So I sat down and I wrote this song.”
The single ended up being a huge hit. Moreover, in 1992, Whitney Houston’s version of the song ended up at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Dolly Parton’s tributes to her husband
The news of Carl Dean’s passing was shared via Parton's Instagram account on March 3. The statement confirming his death stated,
“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. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”
The statement also included a quote from Parton who shared her thoughts on the demise of her dearest companion. Parton had said,
“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.”
Parton’s sister, Stella Parton had also released a statement on X on March 4, writing,
“On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl’s family we appreciate your prayers at this time.”
Parton posted another tribute to her husband on March 6. Taking to X, the country artist wrote,
“Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end. They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”
She posted a link to a new song titled, “If You Hadn’t Been There.” Addressed to her husband, the song describes Parton’s memories of Carl Dean.
Trending
In the song, Parton also mentions Dean's impact on her life and career. She says that Dean was her “rock” who motivated her, and without whom she wouldn’t be where she was, essentially dedicating her career and popularity to her late husband.
According to People Magazine, Dolly Parton met her husband in 1964, much before she became a world-renowned celebrity.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
