Carl Dean, the reclusive husband of country music legend Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 82.
Dean, who married Parton in a secret ceremony in 1966, remained out of the spotlight throughout their decades-long marriage.
He never attended public events with his wife, and Parton shared only a few photos of him over the years.
Parton shared the news of her longtime spouse’s de@th via Instagram on Monday, March 3. His cause of de@th was not immediately announced.
“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 is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie,” 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,” Parton’s post continued. “The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Though Dean stayed out of the spotlight and focused on his asphalt business, he supported Dolly from the background.
He inspired one of her most iconic songs: “Jolene.”
Dean is survived by his wife and siblings