Dolly Parton, the Tennessee native, has captured the hearts of many with her incredible performances and iconic voice. Despite her fame and success, the 76-year-old music icon has made a decision that might disappoint some of her fans – she will no longer be going on tour. However, fear not, as Dolly will continue to make music and dedicate her time to her beloved husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
An Unforgettable Love Story
Dolly and Carl’s love story began in 1964 when they first met in front of the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Carl, who was 21 at the time, was captivated by the beauty and charm of the 18-year-old Dolly. He immediately knew that he wanted to marry her. Despite initially declining his invitation for a date, Dolly couldn’t resist his persistence and invited him to join her a few days later while watching her nephew. And so, their love story began, a tale that would stand the test of time.
In May 1966, Dolly and Carl exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Despite their record company’s suggestion to postpone the wedding, they didn’t want to wait and chose a location where their union could remain a secret. Only Dolly, Carl, and her mother were present on their special day. Since then, their love has only grown stronger.
Cherishing Love and Time Together
After celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016, Dolly and Carl decided to renew their vows as a way to commemorate their enduring love. Now, as Dolly bids farewell to touring, she plans to spend more quality time with her beloved husband. In an interview with Pollstar, Dolly expressed her desire to stay closer to home and be there for her husband as they grow older together:
“I’ve spent my entire life on tour, and it takes a lot of time and work. I now prefer to stay closer to home with my husband. As we age, I don’t want to be away for long periods of time. Life is unpredictable, and I want to be available for my loved ones. I wouldn’t want to let my fans down by canceling a tour due to a family emergency.”
Rocking New Music for Her Beloved
Dolly is not slowing down when it comes to her music. In fact, she is working on a new album, and interestingly, she shared that her husband, who is a huge fan of hard rock ‘n’ roll, will classify her latest compositions as rock n’ roll. This year, Dolly was even nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inspired her to pursue this musical direction for her husband.
Aside from her album, Dolly is also working on a Christmas special for NBC, bringing joy and cheer to her fans during the holiday season.
Let’s bid Dolly farewell from the touring scene and thank her for the incredible kindness and joy she has brought to our lives. Dolly Parton – a legend we will remember forever.
