Dolly Parton, the 76-year-old country music legend, has captivated fans worldwide with her incredible talent and charm. With a career spanning decades, Dolly has decided to take a step back from touring but will continue to bless us with new music. In a recent interview, she shared her decision, saying, “I’ll do special shows here and there, now and then. Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore.”
Dolly’s dedication to her music has been unwavering, but now she wants to focus on other aspects of her life. One of the most important parts of her life is her 57-year-long marriage to her loving husband, Carl Thomas Dean. Their love story began in 1964 when they first laid eyes on each other in Nashville, Tennessee. Carl knew right away that Dolly was someone special. He fondly recalls, “My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’ My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin’.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for anything on this earth.”
Dolly initially turned down Carl’s invitation for a date, but fate brought them together a few days later. From that moment on, their love blossomed and grew stronger with each passing day. In 1966, they tied the knot in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, surrounded only by Dolly, Carl, and her mother. Despite pressure to postpone the wedding due to her soaring career, they chose to start their life together, and it has been a beautiful journey ever since.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2016, Dolly and Carl renewed their vows, proving that their love is still as strong as ever. And now, with Dolly’s decision to step back from touring, they will have even more precious time together. In a candid interview, Dolly explained, “I’ve been on the road my whole life, and it demands so much time and energy. I’d rather stay closer to home with my husband. We’re at a stage in life where being away for weeks at a time doesn’t sit right with me.”
Dolly also revealed that her latest musical endeavors are dedicated to the rock ‘n’ roll genre, a musical preference of her husband’s. She received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and saw it as the perfect opportunity to create an album that her husband will enjoy. She shared, “My husband’s a big hard rock ‘n’ roll fan, and for years I’ve thought, ‘One of these days I’d like to put together an album mainly for him, just as a little something special.’”
Aside from music, Dolly is keeping herself busy with other projects. She recently premiered her NBC special, “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas,” which showcases the behind-the-scenes action of putting together a show. Dolly mentioned, “It’s like a show within a show. We’re focusing on the dramatic side, the debates with producers, the challenges with artists, the mishaps with scenery falling down, and all the things that go on backstage.”
In addition, Dolly is teaming up with actor-turned-producer Reese Witherspoon for an upcoming movie called “Run, Rose, Run,” based on a book co-written by Witherspoon and James Patterson.
Dolly’s decision to scale back on extensive tours is not only about her love for her husband but also a way to prioritize her health. In the 1980s, she battled health issues and even collapsed on stage during a performance. She was diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent a partial hysterectomy. Reflecting on that time, she shared, “I wasn’t watching what I ate, I wasn’t mindful of nutrition, I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was working hard, and underneath, I was a mess of personal and emotional issues.”
Now, at 76 years old, Dolly is embracing life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with her husband and pursuing her passions. This legendary country singer has given us so much joy throughout the years, and we will forever hold her in our hearts.
