That man is none other than Parton’s husband of 50-plus years, Carl Thomas Dean.
In fact, it’s one of the first (and only) public photos of him.
Dean, who previously owned an asphalt-laying company, prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
He rarely travels with his wife when she’s on tour, keeping to himself in their Tennessee home.
Although Parton’s worldwide success has made them both multi-millionaires, Dean has kept himself busy with odd jobs.
Historically, Carl Thomas Dean hasn’t gone on tour with his wife.
In fact, he’s only seen her perform a few times.
As Parton toldEllen, “It’s almost like seeing your kid in recital.
He’s afraid I’ll mess up,” she shared.
Although the couple are polar opposites in most ways, their differences have led to a successful relationship.
Here’s what we know about their first meeting and their enduring love story.
Dolly Parton met her husband in 1964 outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee.
She was 18 years old and brand new to the city.
He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about."
As for Carl Thomas Dean?
He knew Parton was the one pretty much immediately.
The only guests in attendance were the preacher, the preacher’s wife, and Dolly Parton’s mother.
“I never really felt like I had the wedding that we really wanted,” the singer toldPeople.
On their 50th wedding anniversary, the couple decided to renew their vows.
Best of all, his relative anonymity allows them to travel more or less unnoticed.
Parton isn’t picky one of her first dates with Dean was at a drive-thru McDonald’s.
Parton and Dean both value their independence, in fact, it’s what’skept their relationship alivefor 60 years.
and there’s a lot of truth to that," Parton joked.
