Dolly Parton recently shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on Monday at the age of 82. The country music legend expressed her deep love for Carl, describing their relationship as the greatest one she could have imagined. “I love the old guy; he’s the only one I’ve ever wanted and the only one I’ll ever have,” she wrote, reflecting on their nearly 60 years of marriage. In a message shared on Instagram, Dolly thanked her fans for their overwhelming support, including the cards, messages, and flowers she received amid the loss. She added, “He is in God’s arms now, and I’m okay with that. I will always love you.”

Dolly and Carl’s love story has long been a topic of admiration. The couple’s relationship was built on a foundation of friendship and mutual respect. Dolly often speaks of Carl with great affection, noting that they are best friends as well as partners in life. She shared that they complement each other perfectly despite their differences. Dolly, known for her love of travel and her outgoing nature, noted that Carl is a homebody who enjoys solitude. However, she said, “He doesn’t really like being with anybody but me,” and this mutual understanding has helped their relationship thrive.

The couple’s romance began in an unexpected way, which Dolly often recounts with a smile. The two first met in Nashville, at a laundry mat, a story that Dolly finds ironic given Carl’s typically shy and reserved nature. She laughed, saying, “He’s very backwards and bashful, it’s not like him to pull over and start talking to a girl.” Despite his initial shyness, Carl struck up a conversation with Dolly, marking the beginning of their enduring love story. Dolly fondly recalls that the serendipity of their meeting and their compatibility made it clear to them that their relationship was meant to be. “The older we get, the more we realize just how it was just meant to be,” Dolly said.

Two years after their chance meeting, Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a small elopement ceremony in Georgia, marking the beginning of their life together. Dolly has always emphasized how well they work together as a couple, with mutual respect and a shared sense of humor being key elements of their relationship. “We have a lot of love and respect for each other, and I think the key to all of it is we both have a crazy warped sense of humor, so we have a lot of fun,” Dolly explained. Their ability to laugh together has been a vital part of their enduring bond, allowing them to navigate the ups and downs of life with joy.

Dolly credits Carl for being one of God’s greatest gifts to her, stating that their relationship has been a constant source of love and happiness. “We’re Best Buds and so we’re just really very compatible,” she added. Their nearly six-decade-long marriage was a testament to the strength of their connection, built on love, respect, and shared experiences. As Dolly moves forward in life without Carl, she cherishes the beautiful memories they created together, knowing that their love will always remain in her heart.