Dolly Parton Reveals How She Spent First Wedding Anniversary Since Husband’s Death

Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died earlier this year. On May 30, Dolly celebrated her first wedding anniversary without him.

Dolly Parton recently sat down for an interview with Fox News’ America Reports and shared how her faith has helped her cope with the death of Carl Dean, her husband of nearly 59 years. The “Jolene” singer fought back tears as she talked about her late husband, saying:

“My faith has helped me through it all. Because I am a person of faith, even though I lost him on this earthly plane, and I’ll miss him every day and I’ve had to learn new habits and patterns, knowing that I will see him again – knowing that he’s in God’s arms now and not mine, he’s still in my heart and in my memories. I treasure all that, and that’s how I get through,” Dolly said.

Parton, 79, also revealed how she honored Carl Dean on what would have been their 59th wedding anniversary. She told the show’s hosts that each year on or around the date of their anniversary, she and Carl would have a picnic at the church in Ringold, Georgia, where they said “I do” in 1966.

This year, Dolly kept that tradition and traveled to Ringold, Georgia, without Carl. She wore his wedding band on a chain around her neck and her own original band on her wedding finger.

“That’s where I spent our anniversary, my first one without him,” Dolly said as she fought back tears. “I’ve got to go back and take a picture on the same steps at that same church. I felt like he was there with me … I just stood there. It was just so sweet. It was good for me.”

Carl Dean passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82.

Dolly Parton announced the death of her husband in a statement posted to social media. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” Dolly wrote at the time.

RELATED: DOLLY PARTON REMEMBERS LATE HUSBAND CARL DEAN IN FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE HIS DEATH

Just days later, Dolly returned to the spotlight with a public appearance to kick off the 40th anniversary celebrations for her Dollywood theme park. She took the stage in front of a crowded audience full of season pass holders who clearly weren’t expecting her to be there.

“I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all of the flowers, cards, and the well wishes for the loss of Carl. You know how I loved him. He would want me to be working today,” Dolly told the crowd. “I just wanted you to know, of course, that I will always love him. And I will always miss him.”

She has spoken often of her husband since his death, but her recent interview with Fox News was full of emotion for the singer. Watch Dolly Parton speak of her first anniversary without Carl in the video below.