Dolly Parton, the beloved 76-year-old country music legend, has officially announced that she will no longer go on tour. In a recent interview with Pollystar, Dolly explained her decision, saying, “From time to time, I will perform a few shows during festivals or special weekends, but a full-fledged tour is no longer in the plan.”
While fans may be saddened by this news, they can take solace in knowing that Dolly will continue making music and spending quality time with her cherished husband, Carl Thomas Dean. The couple’s love story is truly one for the ages.
Dolly and Carl first met in front of the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee, back in 1964. At the time, Dolly was just 18 years old and Carl was 21. It was love at first sight for Carl, who famously said, “I’m going to marry that girl” when he saw Dolly for the first time.
Their relationship blossomed, and despite Dolly initially declining his invitation for a date, she eventually invited him to spend time together while watching her nephew. That marked the beginning of a love story that would endure the test of time.
Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, in May 1966. Despite the pressure from her record company to postpone the wedding due to her career, the couple decided to go ahead with it. Only Dolly, Carl, and her mother were present, ensuring a truly intimate celebration.
Over the years, their love has only grown stronger. In 2016, Dolly and Carl celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows. Now, with Dolly’s decision to step away from touring, they will have even more time to spend together.
In her interview with Pollstar, Dolly reflected on her touring experiences and shared her reasons for wanting to stay closer to home. She said, “I’ve dedicated my whole life to touring, and it takes a lot of time and work. As we get older, I want to be near my husband. I wouldn’t be happy if I were away and someone needed me. And if there was an emergency at home, I wouldn’t want to leave my fans hanging.”
Dolly also revealed that her husband is a huge rock n’ roll fan and will label her latest musical compositions as such. This year, she was even nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that she has long dreamed of. She shared, “I’ve been thinking for years, ‘One of these days, I’d like to do an album just for him.’ Now seems like the perfect time.”
While Dolly bids farewell to touring, she is not slowing down in her music career. In addition to working on a new album, she is reportedly in the process of creating a Christmas special for NBC this year.
Dolly, we thank you for the incredible kindness you have shown us throughout the years. Take this time to relax and savor all that life has to offer. You will forever remain in our hearts.
