Who Was Carl Thomas Dean? Meet Dolly Parton's Husband After His Death

Who was Carl Thomas Dean? Meet Dolly Parton’s late husband, learn about their marriage and his private life after his death at the age of 82 in March 2025.

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Dolly Parton is one of the most famous musicians in the world, though her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, chose to live a much more private life. Despite keeping a low profile over the years, Carl and Dolly managed to have a strong marriage leading up to his death in March 2025. In light of Carl’s passing, fans are likely wondering who Carl was, what he did for work and details about his marriage to the “Jolene” singer.

What Was Carl Dean Thomas’ Job?

Unlike his wife, Carl did not work in Hollywood. Instead, he ran an asphalt-laying company in Nashville. He operated the business as far back as 1977, though it’s not clear when he stepped away from the gig.

Carl Dean Thomas and Dolly Parton Met at a Laundromat

Dolly was 18 and Carl was 21 when they met outside of the Wishy Washy Laundromat in 1964 when she first arrived to his native Nashville to pursue a music career.

“I’d come to Nashville with dirty clothes,” Dolly recalled to The New York Times in 1976. “I was in such a hurry to get here. And after I’d put my clothes in the machine, I started walkin’ down the street, just lookin’ at my new home, and this guy hollered at me, and I waved. Bein’ from the country, I spoke to everybody. And he came over and, well, it was Carl, my husband.”

Carl also opened up about his time meeting Dolly during a rare interview. “My first thought was ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,'” he said, according to Entertainment Tonight. “My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”

When Did Carl Dean Thomas and Dolly Parton Get Married?

The couple tied the knot on May 30, 1966, during a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, according to Dolly’s official website.

Their marriage lasted nearly sixty years, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2016 with a vow renewal.

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Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesCarl Dean Thomas Chose to Live a Private Life

Dolly previously described Carl as a “loner” during an interview with People. “He doesn’t particularly care about being around anybody but me. He’s just always asked me to leave him out of all this,” she shared with the outlet. “He does not like all the hullabaloo.”

Meanwhile, she told Entertainment Tonight in 2020 that he “does not want to be in the spotlight at all.”

“It’s just not who he is. He’s like a quiet, reserved person and he figured if he ever got out there in that, he’d never get a minute’s peace and he’s right about that,” Dolly continued. “I’ve always respected and appreciated that in him, and I’ve always tried to keep him out of the limelight as much as I can,” she added. “He said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.’ And we do and we have.”

Carl Dean Thomas Died at the Age of 82 in March 2025

Dolly confirmed that Carl died at the age of 82 on March 3, 2025. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” the “Here You Come Again” singer wrote in a statement via Instagram at the time. “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

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