Dolly Parton was married to Carl Dean, her biggest supporter, for nearly 60 years. So, what exactly was the key to such a long and happy marriage?

“Well, I stay gone!” Parton told Knox News in 2011. “It’s like it stays new.”

Parton added that after traveling the world, she always enjoyed going home and spending time with Dean, a homebody who preferred staying out of the limelight.

“We have our things that we do together and we’re good friends. We love and respect each other,” Parton added. “I think that’s the key to most of it, because we like each other a lot.”

Dean died March 3 in Nashville, Parton announced on her social media accounts. The couple married in 1966 and had no children.

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Dolly Parton’s biggest supporter:Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of over 60 years and a man of mystery, dies at age 82

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” Parton said in a statement.

Watch the video above to hear Parton talk about her marriage to Dean.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208. 

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