‘SUFFERED A GREAT DEAL’

Dolly Parton Says Hubby Was Battling Secret Health Battle Before Death

The country icon told the Associated Press that she’s learning to make peace with the loss.

Dolly Parton is “at peace” but lonely after Carl Dean, her husband of 58 years, died in March. In a new interview with AP, Parton said, “He was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.” Though the couple, who married in 1966, remained strictly private throughout their six-decade relationship, the “Jolene” singer has been more open about life as a widow. Shortly after announcing Dean’s death, Parton released a new single, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” in his honor, writing on Instagram, “He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.” She later told Knox News she believed Dean was “at peace” after having “suffered a great deal.” However, Parton told the AP she’s learning to focus on new ventures after losing Dean, including her new line of frozen meals. She also told the outlet she’s leaning on her Christianity to navigate grief, adding, “I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday.”