Tanya Tucker Shares Fond Memory Of Meeting Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean

Tanya Tucker shared a tribute to Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean after his death. (Photo Credit: Daniel Knighton / Getty Images & Dolly Parton’s Official Website)

Dolly Parton’s Beloved Husband Died On March 3, 2025

Tanya Tucker is offering her condolences to Dolly Parton following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

After two years of dating, Dolly and Carl married on May 30, 1966. While Dolly went on to become one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities, Carl shied away from the spotlight. He preferred to live a private life and remained home in Tennessee while Dolly traveled the world.

Carl was so reclusive that many of Dolly’s closest friends had never met him. Even Reba McEntire, who’s been friends with Dolly for decades, said she never met Carl.

But Tanya Tucker is one country star who did get the chance to meet Carl Dean. She fondly recalled her memory of their first meeting after learning that Carl passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82.

Dolly’s team shared the sad news of Carl’s death in a post on her social media pages. They wrote:

“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”

The post also included a statement from Dolly, who said:

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”

 

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A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

Tanya Tucker Recalls Meeting Carl Dean When She Was Young

Tanya Tucker joined the thousands of people who sent their sympathies to Dolly after learning about her husband’s death. The “Delta Dawn” singer dedicated an entire post to Carl, sharing the story of meeting him for the first (and presumably, only) time.

Alongside a rare photo of Dolly and Carl, Tanya wrote:

“l am beyond sad for My dear friend @dollyparton. I remember meeting Carl when I stopped in at their house unexpected in Brentwood when I was 15 or 16.”

Tanya said Dolly baked some chocolate chip cookies for her while they visited. She recalled how she, Dolly, and Carl “sat around and talked” for a while.

“…it was one of my most precious memories!!” Tanya said. “I know she’s hurting and that makes me hurt too!!! Just wish I could wrap my arms around her! Rest Easy Carl!!!”

See Tanya’s tribute to Carl Dean below.

 

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A post shared by Tanya Tucker (@thetanyatucker)

We, too, join Tanya in sending our sympathies to Dolly during this difficult time. May Carl rest in peace…