Country music legend Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Thomas Dean passed away on Monday at the age of 82 in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean and Parton shared a remarkable marriage that spanned nearly six decades, characterized by mutual respect and an enduring, albeit private, love.

Born in Nashville in 1942, Dean was one of three children to Virginia “Ginny” Bates Dean and Edgar “Ed” Henry Dean. He met a young Dolly Parton outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat on her first day in Music City in 1964. Parton, then 18, had just moved to Nashville to pursue her dreams in country music. Reflecting on their initial encounter, Parton recalled, “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face… He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”

Their courtship led to a private wedding ceremony on May 30, 1966, in a small town in Georgia, attended only by Parton’s mother, the preacher, and his wife. Despite Parton’s budding fame, Dean chose a life away from the spotlight, focusing on his asphalt-paving business in Nashville. He rarely accompanied his wife to public events, a decision that allowed their relationship to flourish away from media scrutiny. Parton once commented on their contrasting personalities, stating, “We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun. I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me.”

Dean’s influence on Parton’s music was profound, serving as the inspiration behind some of her most iconic songs, including the hit “Jolene.” Funnily enough, the song was inspired by a bank teller who flirted with Dean, Parton confessed in an interview with NPR.

Throughout their marriage, the couple maintained a strong bond, often enjoying simple pleasures away from the limelight, whether it was embarking on RV trips or sharing quiet evenings at home.

In a heartfelt statement following Dean’s passing, Parton expressed, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” She also requested privacy during this difficult time, thanking fans for their prayers and sympathy.

A private ceremony for immediate family will be held in his memory, honoring his wishes for a life lived away from public attention.