In a moving interview, Dolly Parton opened up about how she has held on to hope following the tragic passing of her husband in March 2025, citing her Christian faith as what has carried her through this difficult time in her life and expressing deep gratitude for the years of support that her husband gave her.
For context, beloved country star Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82. Following her husband’s passing, Parton reflected on the significance of her faith in helping her through grief in a May 28, 2025, interview with the Associated Press and expressed her confidence that she would see her husband again in heaven.
In the interview, Dolly spoke openly about her faith, telling journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton, “I truly believe I’m going to see him again someday,” and adding, “I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together.” Continuing, Parton said that to move on through grief, “you just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans, but that’s the hardest part.”
Next, Dolly told Hamilton that she still feels her husband’s presence with her, adding, “I just try to go on, because I know I have to. And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”
In addition, Dolly later added that her husband had wholeheartedly supported her throughout her career, telling Hamilton, “My husband always said, ‘If anybody was ever born to be a star, it’s you.’” Dolly added that her husband happily supported her “because he sees me loving to do all the things and playing and stuff — it’s play time for me. But I take it very serious (sic).”
Furthermore, in a press release issued on March 11, 2025, Dolly’steam announced Carl’s passing and celebrated his life, saying that Dean was “a man known for his quiet nature and steadfast devotion,” adding that Carl “spent nearly 60 years by Dolly’s side, offering unwavering love and support while maintaining a life away from the public eye.
Continuing, the press release quoted Dolly in a 2019 interview with People Magazine, describing Carl as having “always been my biggest fan behind the scenes.” Parton added that Carl stayed at home while she was on tour, saying, “I travel a lot, but we really enjoy each other when we’re together and the little things we do.”
In addition, Dolly introduced a heartfelt song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” memorializing Carl in an Instagram post on March 7, 2025, saying, “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song.” She added, He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.” Parton also posted the song’s cover art, which features a photo from the early years of her marriage to Carl.
Featured image credit: @dollyparton via Instagram