Country Icon, 79, Makes Rare Comment About Late Husband's Death at 82originally appeared onParade. Dolly Partonis speaking out abouther late husband's death, sharing rare insight into his health prior to his passing earlier this year. Carl Dean, the country icon's husband of 60 years,died in Marchat age 82. Preferring toremain out of the spotlightas Parton shined in the entertainment industry for decades, Dean chose a quiet life that meant the 10-time Grammy winner didn't often speak about him. Now, Parton is sharing more details about the time leading up to Dean's death. In a new interview withThe Independent,the "Jolene" artist told the outlet that Dean "was ill for quite a while" before his passing. "Part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore," she added. "But that still doesn't make up for the loss and the loneliness of it." "I just try to go on," she explained, adding that the "hardest part" about losing her husband is "making new plans" different than the entire life she and Dean built together. "I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I'm going to see him again someday," she insisted, noting, "I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we've built together." You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans – but that's the hardest part." Despite his decision to remain out of the spotlight, Dean was "very proud" of Parton and her incredible achievements in her life. (In addition to her illustrious career in country and film, the9-5star's Dolly Parton's Imaginary Library charity is also wildly successful — and universally praised.) "So when I did lose him, I just thought, well, I'm going to take all of that energy, and I'm just going to put that back into other things," Parton shared. "And I'll keep him ever-present in everything that I do." Following Dean's death, Parton released the song "If You Hadn't Been There," in honor of her late husband. Country Icon, 79, Makes Rare Comment About Late Husband's Death at 82first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.