Dolly Parton’s Secret to a Blissful Marriage: A Quiet Life on the Farm
If you had built a $500 million empire, how would you choose to live? Would you splurge on a lavish estate, or would you seek a quieter, more peaceful existence away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life?
We know exactly what the legendary Dolly Parton would do! The iconic country singer, reportedly worth $500 million, is spending her days on a serene farm with her husband of 57 years. Unlike Dolly, her husband, Carl Dean, has chosen to stay out of the public eye.
Take a glimpse into their tranquil home by reading on!
The Enduring Love Story of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean tied the knot in Ringgold, Georgia, back in May 1966, and have been together for nearly sixty years. Early in their marriage, Carl decided to maintain a low profile, avoiding the spotlight that naturally followed Dolly. The couple also made the decision not to have children.
Dolly has often shared that Carl’s choice to stay out of her professional life is a major reason their marriage has stood the test of time. Their love story began when Dolly moved to Nashville in 1964 to pursue her singing and songwriting career. At that time, she was 18, and Carl was 22. They met by chance at a laundromat, and from that moment on, they’ve been inseparable.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dolly revealed that the secret to their happy marriage is respecting Carl’s need for privacy and not exposing him to the chaotic world of fame. She admires his decision to live a quieter, more private life, knowing he chose her over the limelight.
Given Carl’s very few public appearances, some have jokingly speculated that he doesn’t exist. However, Dolly has always quipped that being in the spotlight “just isn’t who he is.” She describes Carl as a shy and reserved person who knew he wouldn’t find peace if he ever became part of her public life.
Beyond this, the couple shares a deep mutual respect. Dolly has expressed how much she values that Carl takes genuine interest in her career without ever being envious. She appreciates his support and encouragement, which helps her achieve her goals. Clearly, they are soulmates!
Dolly Parton: A Farmer at Heart
Dolly has given us a peek into Carl’s private life. After retiring from his paving business, Carl now enjoys a peaceful life on their farm. Dolly, who has stopped touring, often spends her days on their property, enjoying the quiet life with Carl.
They love to travel in their RV, frequenting drive-throughs, exploring Tennessee and Kentucky, and relaxing at cozy motels. These simple moments together are what they cherish most.
Despite her immense wealth, Dolly treasures her time with Carl above all else. To celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary, they had a simple country dinner at their Nashville home, where Dolly cooked chicken and dumplings, paired with Carl’s favorite dessert, pecan ice cream.
Dolly even gave fans a tour of her beautiful home in Reese Witherspoon’s YouTube series, and it’s every bit as charming as you’d imagine!
As they approached their 50th anniversary, Dolly and Carl wanted to renew their vows surrounded by loved ones. They planned to revisit the site of their first honeymoon afterward.
While Dolly may continue to perform at festivals and occasional weekend events, she knows that as she gets older, those days might come to an end. She’s content with their peaceful life away from the public eye, focusing on spending more time with her family, especially Carl.
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