Dolly Parton’s ‘fiercely private’ life with husband of six decades who is 'deteriorating'

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In earlier years, Dolly Parton admitted she doesn't leave her home as often as she used to. Although she continues to be an active figure in the entertainment industry, she has chosen to focus more on her personal life.

This shift comes after her husband, Carl Dean, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019.

She wrapped up her 12th and final headlining concert tour in 2016, which spanned 60 shows across various venues.

"I’ve spent my entire life touring and performing, and it requires so much time and energy," Dolly shared. "Now, I prefer to stay a little closer to home to support my husband and cherish our time together.”

Throughout their long marriage, Dolly, 76, and Carl, 80, who met in Nashville in 1964 when she was 18, have led fiercely independent lives.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean have been together for over six decades. (Image: Getty)

"He’s a country boy, he loves to work on his tractors, he was in asphalt paving,” says Dolly, who never demanded that Carl join her in the show-business spotlight. “He likes the privacy, and he would never in a million years do an interview.”

The couple, who had chosen to live a child-free life, cherished their time together. They often embarked on extended road trips across the diverse landscapes of America in their beloved RV, creating cherished memories along the way.

During these vacations with her partner Carl, Dolly embraced a refreshing sense of freedom, opting to forgo her usual wigs, makeup, and elegant attire.

This transformation allowed them to immerse themselves in authentic experiences, exploring the breathtaking beauty of national parks, wandering through charming antique shops filled with hidden treasures, and savoring delectable meals at local barbecue joints.

Dolly Parton no longer tours so she can be close to Carl. (Image: Getty)

“[Carl] is great, and we get along great and have a lot of fun together,” Dolly said back then. “He makes me laugh all the time. It is one of the things that has kept us together all of this time.”

Carl’s health issues, which reportedly also include high blood pressure and a weak heart, have changed the dynamics of their marriage.

“They’re not as active physically as they once were. Carl’s not jumping in the car and ready for an adventure like he used to be.

"It’s called slowing down — he relies on Dolly and the staff more these days — but Dolly says it’s better than the alternative,” confided an insider, who notes that Dolly is “fiercely private about her personal life and protective of Carl.”