Dolly Parton Returns Alone to Church Where She Married Carl Dean—What She Found There Brought Her to Tears

Dolly Parton Says 'He's in God's Arms' After Death of Carl Dean
Country music icon Dolly Parton recently paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, by visiting the church where they were married nearly 60 years ago. In an emotional interview with FOX News’ America Reports on June 5, Parton shared how the visit on their 59th anniversary stirred powerful memories—and tears.

Parton, 79, revealed that despite losing Carl Dean in March 2025, her faith continues to be a guiding light in coping with the profound loss. “I am a person of faith, even though I lost him on this earthly plane, and I will miss him every day, having to learn new patterns, new habits,” she said. “But knowing that I will see him again and knowing that he’s in God’s arms now and not mine… he’s still in my heart and in my memories.”

The couple married in Ringgold, Georgia, and every year since, they returned to the area to celebrate their anniversary. This year marked Dolly’s first anniversary without Carl, and she felt compelled to honor their tradition alone. “They put a big plaque up in the yard of that church where we got married. It talks about us getting married there,” she shared.

Dolly recalled how she and Carl used to enjoy picnics in the churchyard during anniversaries. This year, she returned to the church steps, wearing her original wedding rings alongside Carl’s ring on a gold chain. “I felt like he was there with me,” she said softly. “It was just so sweet, and it made me. It was good for me.”
The Truth About Dolly Parton And Carl Dean's Love Story That Lasted Nearly 60 Years
In a previous conversation with Entertainment Tonight in May, Parton spoke openly about the emotional challenges of life without Carl. “I’m having to really go through a lot trying to figure out how to be without him because I was with him for so long,” she said. “I’m holding up, I’m doing as well as one can after 60 years, being with and loving somebody.”

Reflecting on Carl’s passing, Dolly described it as bittersweet. “He did suffer a lot for the last few years. There’s a part of me that’s happy he’s at peace and at rest,” she said. “But then of course, there’s that part of me that will miss him forever and long for him every day. For the rest of my life, I’m sure.”

Dolly Parton’s poignant visit to the church stands as a testament to enduring love, faith, and the powerful memories that sustain us through life’s hardest moments.