Dolly Parton Opens Up About Grieving the Loss of Her Husband Carl Dean

Dolly Parton is opening up about life after the loss of her husband, Carl Dean.

In a conversation with Khloé Kardashian on her podcast Khloé in Wonder Land, Parton revealed that she’s still grieving and has taken a break from songwriting in the wake of his passing.

“My husband passed away three months ago. … Several things I’ve wanted to start, but I can’t do it,” Parton told Kardashian. 

Dolly and Carl Dean were married for nearly 60 years before he passed away in early March. With a love that truly stood the test of time, it’s no surprise that the grieving process is still ongoing.

The one and only @DollyParton 🤍 We talked about God, glam, growing up, and how she’s stayed true to herself through it all. Watch now on @X pic.twitter.com/dYMogWnKuJ

— Khloé (@khloekardashian) July 9, 2025

“I will later, but I’m just coming up with such wonderful, beautiful ideas. But I think I won’t finish it,” she explained. 

Amid her busy life, which includes serving as the “Dreamer in Chief” at Dollywood and running a full-blown empire, Parton continues to navigate her grief. She’ll get back to writing songs when she’s ready. 

“I can’t do it right now because I’ve got so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of getting that emotional right now,” she said. 

Parton also opened up about her relationship with Carl Dean, who remained out of the spotlight during the nearly six decades they were married. 

“We were different people. He loved music, but he was a loner,” explained.. “He did not want a bunch of people around him except me. Of course he had friends, but he was also the same way. He’d rather be at the barn, be on the farm all day, and if he was gonna go sell a loader or buy a loader or have somebody come work on one of his trucks or tractors, he’d have to let people in.”

While they were very different, they were also very similar, Parton pointed out. 

“But I really think that there’s just certain personalities that are great for each other. And we were together 61 year. We were just so different, but we were so similar. We were perfect, as far as the temperature in the house. We didn’t fight over that ‘cause we both were comfortable at the same thing. Just so many things we were compatible about, and we just got along great.” 

Carl Dean passed away on March 3, 2025. He was 82 years old. 

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton shared at the time. “Words can’t do justice for the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.” 

Following his death, Parton released a heartfelt new song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” in his honor.