Dolly Parton, 79, is grieving the loss of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, and says sheโs putting some things โon hold,โ including new music. He passed away onย March 3, 2025, in Nashville at the age of 82
Speaking on Wednesdayโs episode of theย Khloรฉ in Wonderlandย podcast, Parton told Khloรฉ Kardashian that there are โseveral things Iโve wanted to start, but I canโt do it. I will later, but Iโm just coming up with such wonderful, beautiful, you know, ideas. But I think I wonโt finish it. I canโt do it right now because I got so many other things and I canโt afford the luxury of, you know, of getting that emotional right now.โ
Dolly shared that he had been โill for quite a while,โ and while part of her felt peace knowing he was no longer suffering, the pain of his loss and the loneliness still remain.
Despite the heartache, Parton is staying positive. Just last month, she announced a return to the Las Vegas stage for the first time in 32 years, with a limited residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
โMy husband passed away three months ago,โ Parton saidย โWhen you ask me if thereโsย stuff that Iโve started, havenโt finishedโฆ there are times like that, things like that that would will stall you a little bit. But Iโll write something else though, if it comes. Iโm just putting that all on hold.โ
Parton reflected on the strong connection she shared with her husband, Carl Dean, saying their relationship worked so well because they both valued privacy and independence. She explained that Dean was a true loner, which complemented her own need for space away from the public eye. Whether spending the day quietly together or having long conversations late at night, their bond was rooted in comfort, understanding, and mutual respect.
