Country music legend Dolly Parton has opened up about the death of her husband Carl Dean, who passed away earlier this month.

Dolly Parton lost her husband Carl Dean this year (Image: Dolly Parton)

Country music legend Dolly Parton provided her devoted followers with an update on how she’s holding up after the heart-breaking loss of her husband Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away at 82 on March 3 due to undisclosed reasons. Following a flood of tributes for her late companion of six decades, Dolly shared her own moving words, not least during a poignant surprise visit to her Dollywood theme park. Nonetheless, in a recent revealing conversation, the 79-year-old singer offered a fresh insight into the tough times her reclusive partner faced in his final days.

In a heartfelt discussion with Knox News, Dolly disclosed: “I’m doing better than I thought I would. I’ve been with him 60 years.” She reflected on her husband’s ordeal, stating, “He suffered a great deal. I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that don’t keep me from missing him and loving him. It’s a hole in my heart, you know, but we’ll fill that up with good stuff and he’ll still always be with me.”

Dolly revealed charming anecdotes about Carl’s undercover trips to Dollywood, noting with affection, “He used to come to the park,” she recounted. “He bought his own ticket stood in line and got his ticket. He didn’t want somebody giving him a ticket ’cause he was Dolly’s husband’. Everybody thinks that’s the funniest thing.”

Dolly said Carl was ‘suffering’ (Image: Dolly Parton)

Carl even had some constructive criticism about the park, insisting on Dolly installing more bathroom facilities. Dolly also mused over the idea that one day she might covertly stroll through the park herself, just as Carl did, to “look at everything”.

During her unexpected appearance at Dollywood’s season opening, Dolly Parton faced her sorrow head-on. The legendary singer couldn’t miss her traditional visit even as she grieved. Greeting fans with her trademark warmth, Dolly opened up to the audience: “I need to laugh. I need some fun, so I’m probably gonna be stupid. I’ve been crying enough the last week or two.”

Defying scripts, Dolly went off-the-cuff, sharing laughs alongside Dollywood President Eugene Naughton while revealing what’s new for the season.

Following the heart-wrenching announcement of her husband Carl Dean’s passing, Dolly’s sister Stella stepped in to relay a message. She posted on Twitter/ to X: “On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl’s family we appreciate your prayers at this time.”