Since Dolly Parton's husband of nearly 60 years died, the family has been mourning. Carl Dean passed away at 82 years old in Nashville on March 3, and that evening, the country legend's sister Stella Parton spoke up.
75-year-old Stella took to X on Monday to write a post in mourning of the late Carl Dean. "On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl's family we appreciate your prayers at this time," she wrote. The post already has nearly 60,000 likes in less than a day with almost 2,000 comments sending condolences.
Stella Speaks Up On Death Of Sister Dolly Parton's Husband
The Jolene singer's team initially revealed her husband's death on Instagram through a heartbreaking message. "He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending," it wrote. "He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie."
The second paragraph is a quote straight from 79-year-old Dolly herself. "Carl and I spend many wonderful years together," the country star wrote. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years." She then thanked fans for their "prayers and sympathy," but the last statement requested "privacy during this difficult time."
Parton and Carl married on May 30, 1966, in Ringgold, Georgia. The singer's husband led a pretty quiet and private life during their marriage, but they stayed loyal together for 59 years. They had no children together, and her husband supported her career from the sidelines.
Stella, on the other hand, was also a country singer known for a few hit singles during the 70s. Although she's Dolly's younger sister, she isn't the only sibling, as they're just two of 12 children born from their parents.
From what we know of Dolly and Carl's long-lasting relationship, the country star figured out the secret to staying together. "I always joke and laugh when people ask me what's the key to my long marriage and lasting love," she told People.
Dolly revealed that it's all about spending some time apart. "I always say 'Stay gone!' and there's a lot of truth to that. I travel a lot, but we really enjoy each other when we're together and the little things we do."
