Dolly Parton, 79, is grieving the loss of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, and says she’s putting some things “on hold,” including new music. He passed away on March 3, 2025, in Nashville at the age of 82
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of the Khloé in Wonderland podcast, Parton told Khloé Kardashian that there are “several things I’ve wanted to start, but I can’t do it. I will later, but I’m just coming up with such wonderful, beautiful, you know, ideas. But I think I won’t finish it. I can’t do it right now because I got so many other things and I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, of getting that emotional right now.”
Dolly shared that he had been “ill for quite a while,” and while part of her felt peace knowing he was no longer suffering, the pain of his loss and the loneliness still remain.
Despite the heartache, Parton is staying positive. Just last month, she announced a return to the Las Vegas stage for the first time in 32 years, with a limited residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
“My husband passed away three months ago,” Parton said “When you ask me if there’s stuff that I’ve started, haven’t finished… there are times like that, things like that that would will stall you a little bit. But I’ll write something else though, if it comes. I’m just putting that all on hold.”
Parton reflected on the strong connection she shared with her husband, Carl Dean, saying their relationship worked so well because they both valued privacy and independence. She explained that Dean was a true loner, which complemented her own need for space away from the public eye. Whether spending the day quietly together or having long conversations late at night, their bond was rooted in comfort, understanding, and mutual respect.
