Dolly Parton enjoys widespread recognition not only in the realm of country music but also among the glitterati.
Dolly and Carl’s paths first crossed in 1964, in front of the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. At the time, Carl was 21 and Dolly just 18. Right from the start, Carl was drawn to something distinct about the young woman.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dean reminisced about their first encounter, stating, “I knew I was going to marry that girl,” from the outset.
“I thought to myself, ‘My word, she’s stunning,’” and it was then that I truly came alive. I wouldn’t exchange the past 50 years for anything else in the world.”
Despite the majority of her lifetime being devoted to performance and song, this cherished Tennessee native has ascended to legendary status, always relishing the opportunity to regale her multitude of admirers.
Even though she persists in crafting new music, the septuagenarian icon, at 76, has recently revealed her decision to hang up her touring boots.
In a recent interview with Pollystar, Dolly Parton provided insight into her decision to retire from touring. She commented:
From time to time, I might engage in unique performances. I could participate in a few shows, perhaps at a festival or over an extended weekend. However, the desire to embark on a full-scale tour has evaporated.
Rather, the 76-year-old titan of country music plans to dedicate herself to songwriting and to enjoy more quality time with her beloved husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
In a 1976 interview with The New York Times, Dolly recounted that upon first seeing her, Dean “hollered” from his pickup truck. Yet, she rebuffed his initial invitation for a date. Rather, a few days later, she extended an invitation to him while she was babysitting her nephew. This gesture signaled the beginning of an enduring love story.
In May 1966, Dolly and Carl committed to each other in an intimate ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Her record label suggested postponing the wedding, citing career considerations. However, the impassioned duo, impatient to be married, chose Georgia over Tennessee to keep their matrimony away from public scrutiny. The ceremony was attended solely by Dolly, Carl, and her mother.
Ever since, the couple’s love has only deepened. In 2016, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, commemorating this milestone by choosing to reaffirm their vows.
In the future, they will be enjoying much more time in each other’s company.
During an interview with Pollstar, Parton illuminated her journeying experiences.
Touring requires a significant investment of time and effort, and it’s something I’ve been engaged with for much of my life. I now prefer to stay closer to home, with my husband.
As we age, I don’t want to be away for more than a month or so at a stretch. Situations can change unexpectedly, and I wouldn’t be comfortable if someone needed me back home while I was on tour. If I had to cut a tour short due to a domestic necessity and consequently disappoint my fans, it would weigh heavily on me.
