Dolly Parton, the legendary icon of country music, has decided to bid farewell to touring. At 76 years young, she remains a creative force, continuously releasing new music. However, her focus has shifted towards spending quality time with her beloved husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
A Timeless Love Story
Dolly Parton’s love story with Carl Dean began in 1964 when they first met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Carl was immediately captivated by Dolly’s beauty and knew she was the one. As fate would have it, a few days later, Dolly invited him over while she was taking care of her nephew. This marked the beginning of a love story that has spanned over 50 years.
In May 1966, Dolly and Carl exchanged vows in a secret ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. They chose to marry away from the public eye, with only Dolly, Carl, and Dolly’s mother in attendance. Their love has stood the test of time, and in 2016, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows.
Embracing a New Chapter
Dolly Parton’s decision to step back from touring is driven by her desire to prioritize her relationship with Carl. In an interview with Pollstar, Dolly explained, “I prefer to stay a little closer to home with my husband. We are getting older, and I want to be there for him when he needs me.” The thought of being away for extended periods no longer brings her joy, as she wants to cherish precious moments with her husband.
Dolly’s most recent musical works will take on a rock n’ roll flavor, inspired by Carl’s love for the genre. She even received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. Dolly is currently working on a Christmas special for NBC and continues to pour her heart into her new album.
A Message to the Fans
To her devoted fans, Dolly expresses her gratitude and assures them that she is still committed to creating music. She lovingly says, “Have fun, Dolly! You have been very generous to us! Just unwind and take it all in right now! We’ll cherish you forever.”
As Dolly Parton embraces this new chapter in her life, she leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable music and a love story that serves as an inspiration to us all. Let us celebrate her journey and continue to cherish her timeless contributions.
