Dolly Parton and Carl Dean

Dolly Parton’s career is as bright as her bedazzled costumes and out-of-this-world performances. She has made a legend of herself and became an icon in the music industry. Her hit singles From Here to the Moon and Back, Jolene, and Forever Love have serenaded the hearts of hopeless romantics all around the globe. However, these love songs came from a deeper and more personal space in the singer’s life. Carl Dean, her husband of fifty-five years, was actually the inspiration behind the hit ballads.

The couple’s marriage has been through all the tests that time could give and they have emerged inseparable ever since their first meeting in the 60s. After finishing his two years of service in the army, Carl married Dolly in May of 1966. Despite Dolly’s undeniable degree of fame, she and her doting husband made their union work. Carl has always had her back and was even featured on the cover of her album My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy.