BREAKING NEWS: Carl Dean, nearly 60 years husband of country music icon Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 82. Year of Togetherness in Heartbreaking Statement…

The announcement was made on Parton’s social media accounts on Monday.

“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82,” the statement read.

“He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”

Parton shared a touching tribute, reflecting on their decades together. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, adding, “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.” The message concluded with a request for privacy during “this difficult time.”

Despite his preference for seclusion, Parton frequently spoke about her deep affection for him. She also credited Dean’s passion for rock music as an inspiration for her 2023 album Rockstar.

“Most of these songs I chose because of Carl, and because I knew they were good songs, ’cause he knows good music,” she told Good Morning America. “He does.”

In an interview in 2022, Parton reflected on what kept their marriage strong. “I like it when people say, ‘How did it last so long?’ I say, ‘It’s stay going,’” she said.