Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star and shining light of positivity, has recently opened up about the devastating loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away at the age of 82 on March 3. The couple had shared 57 beautiful years of marriage, and in a heartfelt interview with Knox News, the 79-year-old singer reflected on her journey of grief and healing.

“I’ve been with him 60 years,” Parton said, revealing that she is coping better than anticipated. While the specifics surrounding Dean's passing have not been disclosed, she emphasized that he endured significant suffering before his death, sharing, “I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that doesn't keep me from missing him and loving him.”

Parton is focusing on the healing process, describing the loss as a “hole in my heart.” Nonetheless, she remains optimistic, declaring, “We'll fill that up with good stuff, and he'll still always be with me.” Her resilience shines through, even after such a profound loss.

Just days after Dean's passing, Dolly made her first public appearance at Dollywood's 40th-season celebration in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Despite the sorrow, she expressed her need to embrace joy and laughter, stating, “I need some fun, so I’m probably gonna be stupid. I’ve been crying enough the last week or two.”

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Parton recounted how Dean would visit Dollywood independently, insisting on buying his ticket without any special treatment. “He didn’t want somebody giving him a ticket because he was Dolly's husband,” she fondly remembered.

Parton also graced the red carpet at the world premiere of her symphonic event, *Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony*, held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on March 20, where she showcased her strength despite her loss.

Reflecting on their love story, which began outside a laundromat on her first day in Nashville in 1964, Parton remarked on the instant connection they shared. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about,” she shared. For Dean, it was love at first sight. He famously recalled, “My first thought was I'm gonna marry that girl.”

Married on May 30, 1966, Parton and Dean led a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Although Parton's career skyrocketed, Dean chose to live a life of privacy, successfully managing his asphalt paving business and supporting his wife from the background. He provided a nurturing constant in her life, fueling rumors and curiosities about their relationship.

Dolly often humorously explained that the secret to their enduring love was simple: “He’s always been my biggest fan behind the scenes.” In the heart of her grief, Parton continues to cherish and celebrate the vibrant legacy of love she shared with Carl Dean—a testament to the power of lasting relationships.