Dolly Parton, 78, is a legendary figure in both country music and the celebrity world. The Tennessee native has captivated her loyal fans with her performances and singing throughout her career.
Dolly met Carl Dean in 1964 outside a laundromat in Nashville when she was 18 and he was 21. From their first meeting, Carl felt an immediate connection. “I thought, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” he recalled, adding, “I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for anything.”
After initially rejecting his invitation for a date, Dolly later invited him over while babysitting her nephew, marking the start of their enduring romance.
The couple married in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, in May 1966, despite her record label urging them to postpone. They wanted to avoid media attention in Tennessee, so only Dolly, Carl, and her mother attended. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2016 by renewing their vows.
Dolly expressed her desire to spend more time at home with Carl, stating, “I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time.” She also plans to create a rock ‘n’ roll album for her husband, inspired by her recent nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Dolly has long been a symbol of resilience but is cautious about touring due to her past health struggles. In the 1980s, she faced serious health issues, prioritizing her career over her well-being.
At 35, she collapsed on stage due to endometriosis, a condition she initially downplayed. Despite her doctor’s warnings, she performed that night, ultimately leading to a partial hysterectomy. Reflecting on her health, she admitted, “I wasn’t watching what I ate… I was a pile of personal and emotional problems.”
