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.

Dolly Parton and her late husband Carl Dean had a simple reason for not bringing children into their nearly 60-year marriage.

Carl was the love of Dolly’s life before he died in 2025. Learn more about the couple’s private relationship and whether or not they shared kids together.