In 2025, Dolly Parton faced a profound personal loss with the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, on March 3 at the age of 82. Their nearly 60-year marriage was a cornerstone of her life, and his death has deeply affected her. Despite her grief, Dolly has continued to engage with her fans and honor Carl’s memory.
To pay tribute, she released a heartfelt song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” expressing gratitude for Carl’s unwavering support throughout their life together. The song resonated with many, debuting at number 21 on the UK Singles Sales chart.
In her first public appearance after Carl’s passing, Dolly attended the opening of Dollywood’s 40th season on March 14. She shared memories of Carl’s discreet visits to the park and expressed her ongoing love and appreciation for him.
While some reports have speculated about Dolly’s health and emotional state, suggesting she is experiencing deep depression, these claims are based on unnamed sources and should be approached with caution.
Despite her personal loss, Dolly remains active professionally. She is involved in various projects, including a Broadway musical about her life, “Dolly: An Original Musical,” set to premiere in 2026.
Dolly Parton’s resilience and dedication to her work continue to inspire many, even as she navigates this challenging period in her life.
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