Dolly Parton Breaks Her Silence Just Days After Losing Her Husband of 60 Years – Her Words Will Break Your Heart
Country music’s brightest star, Dolly Parton, has opened up for the first time since the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean — her partner in life for nearly six decades. While her smile remains, there’s now a quiet sadness behind it. And in her own words, we learn how she’s holding on through the heartbreak.
“I’ll Always Carry Him With Me”
Just under two weeks after Carl Dean’s death, Dolly sat down with Knox News to share how she’s coping with the unimaginable.
“I’m doing better than I thought I would. I’ve been with him 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close.”
Though she didn’t go into detail, Dolly admitted Carl had suffered greatly before passing. Still, her peace comes from knowing he’s no longer in pain.
“It’s a hole in my heart, you know,” she added. “But we’ll fill that up with good stuff… and he’ll still always be with me.”
An Emotional Tribute from the Opry
Just days after her loss, Dolly was honored with a heart-wrenching tribute during “Opry 100: A Live Celebration.” While she couldn’t attend the event in person, Dolly watched from afar as Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Lady A, and 50 other Grand Ole Opry members united to sing her iconic hit “I Will Always Love You” — this time, in memory of Carl Dean.
Dolly later shared her reaction on Instagram Stories:
“I have not stopped crying over the beautiful tribute… I’ve cried enough to wash a great deal of the pain away. Thank you to all the beautiful people who helped make that moment possible.”
The Quiet Life They Shared – And His Love for Dollywood
Dolly first met Carl on the very day she arrived in Nashville at age 18. And while he kept out of the spotlight, the two built a life full of deep love, quiet moments, and mutual respect.
He didn’t attend premieres, walk red carpets, or give interviews. But one place he loved visiting? Dollywood. And he insisted on going like any regular guest.
“He used to come to the park, bought his own ticket, stood in line. He didn’t want a free pass just because he was my husband,” Dolly said with a laugh.
They may have disagreed on roller coasters, but Carl loved walking the park, enjoying funnel cakes, and quietly offering suggestions for improvements — even telling Dolly once, “You need more bathrooms.”
Life Goes On – Because That’s What Carl Would’ve Wanted
Despite her grief, Dolly made a promise to keep going. Just days after his passing, she appeared at Dollywood’s 40th anniversary celebration — her first public appearance since the loss.
With a brave smile, she told the crowd:
“Of course I will always love him, and I miss him. But I want you to know that I always love you. He would want me to be working today.”
She thanked fans for their support, and in true Dolly fashion, managed to add a moment of laughter:
“If you see something sagging, dragging or bagging, you need to get it nipped, tucked or sucked!”
A New Chapter Begins
Carl Dean may have stayed out of the spotlight, but his impact on Dolly’s life — and on her fans who loved their rare glimpses as a couple — will never be forgotten. As Dolly steps into this new chapter, she does so with grace, strength, and a heart still full of love.
“He’s at peace,” she said. “And now, I’ll do my best to be, too.”
