Dolly Parton Shares How She Honored Her First Wedding Anniversary Without Her Husband
Legendary country icon Dolly Parton recently opened up in an emotional interview with Fox News’ America Reports, sharing how she found strength in faith, love, and memory as she faced her first wedding anniversary without her beloved husband, Carl Dean.
After nearly 59 years of marriage, Carl passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. While fans around the world offered their condolences, Dolly revealed how her spiritual beliefs and cherished traditions helped her cope with the overwhelming loss.
“My Faith Has Helped Me Through It All”
During the interview, the “Jolene” singer, now 79 years old, spoke with vulnerability and grace as she reflected on the life and love she shared with Carl Dean:
“My faith has helped me through it all. Because I am a person of faith, even though I lost him on this earthly plane — and I’ll miss him every day and I’ve had to learn new habits and patterns — knowing that I will see him again… knowing that he’s in God’s arms now and not mine, he’s still in my heart and in my memories. I treasure all that, and that’s how I get through.”
Dolly’s words resonated deeply with viewers, reminding fans that even legends feel loss just as powerfully as anyone else.
A Beautiful Tradition, Continued Alone
Dolly and Carl were married in 1966 at a small church in Ringgold, Georgia. For decades, they marked their anniversary with a quiet picnic at that very church — a private ritual that kept them grounded in love.
This year, despite Carl’s absence, Dolly honored that tradition alone. She returned to the same church in Ringgold, wearing Carl’s wedding band on a chain around her neck and her original band on her finger.
“That’s where I spent our anniversary, my first one without him,” she said, holding back tears.
“I’ve got to go back and take a picture on the same steps at that same church. I felt like he was there with me… I just stood there. It was just so sweet. It was good for me.”
Grief, Gratitude, and Grace
When Carl passed away earlier this year, Dolly shared the heartbreaking news on social media:
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” she wrote.
Despite her personal sorrow, Dolly surprised fans by making a public appearance just days later at the 40th anniversary of Dollywood, her cherished theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
In front of a packed crowd of loyal season pass holders, Dolly addressed the elephant in the room with characteristic honesty:
“I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all of the flowers, cards, and the well wishes for the loss of Carl. You know how I loved him. He would want me to be working today. I just wanted you to know, of course, that I will always love him. And I will always miss him.”
Dolly’s Enduring Love Story Lives On
Though Carl Dean stayed largely out of the spotlight throughout his life, his quiet presence and unwavering love remained the foundation of Dolly’s world. Their marriage, built on privacy, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion, stood as a rare and enduring example in the entertainment world.
As Dolly continues to share glimpses of their love story, she offers comfort to others facing similar grief — reminding us all that love doesn’t end with goodbye. It lives on in memories, in rituals, and in the quiet moments when we feel their presence most.
