Dolly Parton has broken her silence following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking fans for their support during this difficult time.
Dean died on Monday, March 3, in Nashville, at the age of 82, according to Parton's initial announcement earlier this week - with no cause of death being confirmed.
The country star confirmed that Dean would be "laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending" and was survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.
Parton took to her Instagram this evening to pen a sweet thank you message to her fans who have supported the star during the difficult time and said: "This is a love note to family, friends, and fans.
"Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you've sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband, Carl. He is in God's arms now, and I am okay with that."
The singer concluded her message with the poignant words: "I will always love you."
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In her original statement announcing his death, the 9 to 5 singer penned: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years."
Parton's sister Stella also shared a message on social media, writing: "On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl's family we appreciate your prayers at this time."
Parton and Dean's love story began in 1964 outside a laundromat in Nashville, the same day she moved to the city to pursue her music career, with the star previously recalling: "When I first moved to Nashville in 1964 I was doing dirty laundry because I was in such a hurry to move to Nashville from my home in East Tennessee."
"That was the day my life began," Dean said in a rare statement to Entertainment Tonight in 2016, after they met when he was 21 and Parton just 18.
The singer issued a statement on her Instagram to announce his death
The couple married two years later on May 30, 1966, in Georgia, with only Parton's mother as a witness and throughout their nearly 60-year marriage, Dean famously shunned the spotlight that his wife occupied.
"He loves music, but he's not the least bit interested in being in it," Parton revealed on the Dumb Blonde podcast.
After attending one awards ceremony in 1967, Dean told her: "I wish you the best, but don't ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain't going."
The couple never had children, which Parton addressed in a 2023 interview with Saga Magazine, and said: "I haven't missed it like I thought I might. I had my career and my music, and I was traveling."
"I always say God didn't let me have children so that all kids could be mine."
Parton has previously spoken about her belief in the afterlife, which may be providing comfort during this difficult time, sharing that her experiences with the paranormal began in childhood after the death of her baby brother, Larry.
The couple met when they were 18 and 21 and never had any children together
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Despite her grief, Parton's message to fans ended with the touching line "I will always love you" - a reference to her iconic 1973 hit song.
Fans worldwide continue to send messages of support to the beloved star during this difficult time.
