Dolly Parton, the legendary country music star and beloved celebrity, has recently announced that she will be stepping back from touring. At 76 years old, she has decided to prioritize spending more time with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, while continuing to create new music for her fans to enjoy.
In a recent interview with Pollystar, Dolly shared her reasons for this decision. While she may still perform at special shows or festivals occasionally, she no longer plans to embark on big tours. Instead, she wants to focus on making more music and cherishing precious moments with her loving husband.
Dolly’s remarkable love story with Carl began in Nashville, Tennessee when they first met in front of a laundromat called the Wishy Washy. Dolly was just 18 years old at the time, while Carl was 21. Instantly, Carl felt that there was something extraordinary about Dolly.
Reflecting on their first encounter, Carl once shared in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, “I’m going to marry that girl.” He was captivated by Dolly’s beauty, and that encounter marked the beginning of a beautiful journey that he would not trade for anything in the world.
In a 1976 interview with the New York Times, Dolly fondly recalled how Carl called out to her from his pickup truck when he spotted her. Although she initially turned down his invitation for a date, a few days later, while taking care of her nephew, Dolly extended an invitation to Carl. And so, their eternal love story began.
Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia in May 1966. Despite suggestions from her record company to wait due to her career, they decided to have a secret wedding in Georgia instead of Tennessee. Only Dolly, Carl, and her mother were present to witness their special union.
Throughout their 50 years of marriage, Dolly and Carl have remained deeply in love. In 2016, they celebrated their golden anniversary and decided to renew their vows to commemorate the milestone.
Now, as they enter a new chapter of their lives, they desire to spend more quality time together. Dolly explained in an interview that while she used to travel extensively, she now prefers to stay closer to home with her husband. As they grow older, she wants to be there for him if anything happens. She wouldn’t feel right leaving her fans halfway through a tour because someone at home needed her presence.
Dolly also revealed that her recent music has been leaning more towards rock and roll, a genre she believes her husband will enjoy. In fact, she received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in May. Excited about this recognition, she shared, “Why not now?” She’s always wanted to create an album dedicated to her husband’s love for hard rock ‘n’ roll.
Currently, Dolly is busy working on a Christmas special for NBC and finalizing her new album. She wants to have fun and truly savor this time in her life. Grateful for the love and support she has received from her fans, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation, promising to always remember their kindness.
Dolly Parton, a true icon in the world of music, continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting personality and unwavering dedication to both her craft and her love for her husband.
