Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Theme Park Shares Statement About Carl Dean’s Death
Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park is mourning the death of her husband, Carl Dean. (Photo Credits: Ron Davis / Getty Images & Dolly Parton)
Dollywood Remembers Carl Dean
Dolly Parton‘s Dollywood theme park released a statement mourning the recent passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean.
Dollywood, which celebrates its 40th season this year (2025), is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just a few miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Dolly grew up in the area, as she was born in the nearby town of Pittman Center. A little white chapel inside Dollywood bears the name of the doctor who delivered her on January 19, 1946.
In 2024, Dollywood was voted America’s favorite theme park, beating out popular destinations like Disney World and Cedar Point. Dollywood has something for everyone: roller coasters, delicious food, family-friendly rides, live music and entertainment, and an exhibit of artifacts from Dolly’s life and career.
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Dollywood will reopen for its historic 40th season next week. Passholder Preview Day takes place on March 14 and the park opens to all guests on March 15.
Despite being closed at the moment, Dollywood wanted to share their support for Dolly following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, on March 3. Dolly and Carl were married for nearly 59 years.
Dollywood said:
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. Our hearts and prayers are with our Dreamer-in-Chief and her family. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.”
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Did Dolly’s Husband Ever Visit Dollywood?
While Dolly is one of the most famous women in the world, her husband lived a private life. He kept to himself at their home in Tennessee and never wanted to be in the limelight.
Over the years, the couple only shared a few photographs with the public, but Dean constantly inspired Dolly, both as a person and as a songwriter. She also cherished the time she spent with him at home or traveling in their RV.
Because Carl Dean was such a private person, fans have often wondered if he ever visited Dollywood. The answer is…yes!
Dolly pays tribute to many of her friends and family members in Dollywood. But at Carl’s request, she didn’t feature his likeness in the park when it opened. She once told PEOPLE:
“Carl said, ‘I want to go up there anytime I want, and I don’t want somebody coming out of the museum and telling me, ‘You’re Carl.'”
She later devoted a section to Carl in her “Dolly Parton Experience” exhibit that opened in 2024. The singer told Knox News:
“He would have never before allowed me to even do that. But I didn’t even tell him I’m doing it. I’m just doing it. He’s older now. So he can’t balk too much. I won’t listen. But I think he deserves his own little spot.”
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RELATED: THE REASON WHY DOLLY PARTON & CARL DEAN NEVER HAD CHILDREN
Since Carl lived a private life, he visited Dollywood without being bothered or recognized. Dolly told The New York Post in 2016:
“He goes in, buys a ticket, walks all over the grounds, checks it out, and comes back and tells me how it is. Most of the time, he says it’s going great, but maybe we could put in an extra bathroom here or there!”
Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey told Knox News Dolly originally planned to attend the park’s opening festivities this year. But now, following Carl’s death, it’s unknown if she will make an appearance.
In the meantime, we join everyone at Dollywood in sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Dolly during this difficult time.
