Rarely Seen Photos of Young Dolly Parton With Her Husband Carl Thomas Dean From the 1960s and 1970s

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, died Monday in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton’s publicist, Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.

“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 wrote in a statement. The family has asked for respect and privacy at this time. No cause of death was announced.

Parton met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville at 18. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” she described the meeting. “He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.” They married two years later, on Memorial Day – May 30, 1966 – in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia.

Dean was a businessman who has largely stayed out of the public eye, running an asphalt paving company in Nashville. Despite being married to one of the most famous country music stars, he has avoided the spotlight.

Parton has often spoken about how Carl prefers a private life and has never been particularly interested in show business. Over the years, she has credited their lasting marriage to their independence, sense of humor, and the fact that Carl lets her shine while he stays behind the scenes.

Even though Carl rarely appears in public, Parton has said he’s her biggest supporter. They even renewed their vows in 2016 for their 50th anniversary.