Why Dolly Parton Rarely Appears in Public With Her Husband Carl Dean

Dolly Parton has been married to Carl Dean for close to six decades, but in all that time, he’s made just one public appearance with her. According to the country queen herself, industry events just ain’t his thing! Parton met Dean on her very first day in Nashville, and the pair tied the knot two years later, in 1966. Parton was a star on the rise at the time, but Dean wasn’t about to change the way he was comfortable living. Even if her success meant Dean didn’t need to work, he was happiest doing physical labor and staying out of the public eye. But why exactly does Carl Dean rarely appear in public with Dolly Parton?

One event was enough for Carl Dean

Although Carl Dean did accompany Dolly Parton to a BMI Awards ceremony at the beginning of their marriage, it turned out to be his first and last public appearance with her. Parton shared the story of why it was also his last time tagging along. After the event, Dean made it clear that he didn’t enjoy it, telling Parton, “I want you to have everything you want. I hope you make it big, I’m behind you all the way, but don’t you ever ask me to go to another one of them damn things.” Suffice it to say that Parton wasn’t particularly upset by his request and she’s always respected and appreciated his desire for privacy. She’s tried to keep him out of the spotlight as much as possible.

Carl Dean may be reclusive, but he can make anyone laugh

While Carl Dean may not want to be pictured out and about, he’s not necessarily awkward. In fact, Dolly Parton has often said he can make anybody laugh. She has always spoken about his sense of humor and even shared that laughing together has always been something they’ve bonded over. At home, they joke around like best friends, and that’s a big part of why they’ve been together for almost 60 years. Parton has always been fine with the fact that Dean prefers to stay out of the spotlight, as it means she gets to have his sense of humor all to herself.