Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend and cultural icon, has recently made a decision to step back from touring. While her singing prowess has captivated audiences for decades, the 76-year-old artist has chosen to prioritize other aspects of her life, including spending quality time with her loving husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
In a heartfelt interview with Pollystar, Dolly Parton shared her perspective on this new chapter in her life, stating, “While I may still grace the stage occasionally for special shows or festivals, I no longer have plans for extensive tours.” Instead, she wishes to focus on creating more beautiful music for her dedicated fans and creating lasting memories with her partner.
Dolly and Carl’s journey began back in 1964 when they first crossed paths outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Dolly, just 18 years old at the time, and Carl, 21, felt an immediate connection. Recalling that fateful encounter, Carl once said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, “I knew then and there that I wanted to marry that girl.” His love for Dolly was unwavering, and their story began to unfold.
Despite Dolly initially declining his invitation for a date, fate had other plans. A few days later, while looking after her nephew, Dolly spontaneously invited Carl over. This simple gesture marked the start of a love story that has stood the test of time.
Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, in May 1966. Despite the reservations of her record company due to her demanding career, the couple chose to keep the wedding a secret and opted for Georgia instead of Tennessee. With only Dolly, Carl, and her mother present, they exchanged vows that symbolized a lifetime of love and commitment.
Throughout their 50 years of marriage, Dolly and Carl have remained deeply devoted to one another. In 2016, they celebrated their golden anniversary by renewing their vows, cementing their bond even further.
Now, as they enter a new phase of their lives, Dolly and Carl prioritize spending precious time together. Dolly shared in an interview that while she used to travel extensively, she now prefers to stay closer to home with her husband. As they both embrace their senior years, Dolly wants to ensure that she is there for Carl in case he needs her. She fondly speaks of how it would not sit right with her if she had to cut a tour short due to a family emergency and leaving behind her devoted fans.
Moreover, eager to explore new musical horizons, Dolly hinted that her recent music ventures into the realm of rock ‘n’ roll, a genre she believes her husband will thoroughly enjoy. In fact, she received a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in May.
When discussing her nomination, Dolly exclaimed, “Why not now?” She expressed her long-standing desire to make an album dedicated solely to her husband’s love for hard rock ‘n’ roll. Currently, Dolly is not only working on a Christmas special for NBC but also wrapping up her latest album. She intends to embrace this moment in her life, enjoying the support and kindness she has received from her adoring fans throughout the years.
As Dolly Parton takes a step back from touring, she exemplifies the importance of cherishing the joyous moments and the ones we hold dear. Her decision to spend more time with her husband is a testament to the power of love and the significance of nurturing relationships as we grow older. Dolly’s unwavering passion for music and her genuine appreciation for her fans will undoubtedly continue to shine through her future endeavors, creating an enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.
So let’s raise our glasses to Dolly Parton, an extraordinary woman who continues to inspire and captivate hearts with her talent, grace, and unwavering dedication to love and music.
