According to reports, Dean, 82, died on March 3 in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. In an emotional statement, Parton, 79, described how “words can’t do justice to the love” that the couple shared. The couple, who have been married for over 60 years, first exchanged vows in May 1966 and then reaffirmed them nine years ago.

After Dean’s death was announced, Parton issued the following statement: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together.” Words cannot express the love we have shared for more than 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathies. Their relatives have also asked for “privacy during this difficult time.” Dean’s immediate relatives are expected to attend a private funeral service.

Despite not having children, Dean and Parton were known for their enduring love for one another. The two lovers remained together for more than 60 years, despite the pressures of the music industry and the inherent stress that comes with Dolly’s degree of celebrity. Dean emphasized early on that he had no objections to his wife pursuing a career in music, but he did not want to be in the spotlight himself, Parton revealed during an appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast last year.

Parton disclosed in the podcast interview: “He said, ‘Look, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going,’ and he never did.” She went on to say, “He enjoys music but has no desire to be a part of it. And he told me right out front.”

According to tradition, Dean and Parton met in 1964 outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean was 21, and Parton was eighteen. She revealed to The New York Times in 1976 that when Dean saw Parton outdoors and “hollered” at her, sparks flew as he passed by in his pickup truck.