Dolly Parton has opened up about the profound loneliness she faces following the death of her husband Carl Dean in March, revealing how her faith has become a crucial source of strength during the difficult period.
The country music legend stated that she “truly believes” she will see Dean again someday, adding: “I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we’ve built together.”
Speaking candidly about her grief, Parton acknowledged the ongoing struggle with loss.
“I just try to go on, because I know I have to,” she told the Associated Press, continuing: “He was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn’t make up for the loss and the loneliness of it.”
Dean passed away on March 3 in Nashville at the age of 82, ending a remarkable 58-year marriage that began in 1966.
The famously private couple had first got together two years prior to their wedding, and renewed their vows in 2016 to mark their 50th anniversary.
At the time of his death, a statement released on Parton’s behalf said: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”
Parton has revealed that the most challenging aspect of widowhood is “learning to make new plans” after nearly six decades together.
“You just kind of have to learn to kind of make new plans — but that’s the hardest part,” she explained.
The singer described having to “relearn some of the things” they had done together over their 60-year relationship.
Parton has channelled her energy into new projects as a way of coping with her loss, including promoting her Southern-inspired frozen meals and celebrating the 40th anniversary of her theme park Dollywood.
“I just think that I’ve always had dreams and I’m always working,” she told the publication.
“My husband understood that. Carl knew that better than anybody and he was all about it. He was very proud of me.”
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The 79-year-old singer revealed she made a conscious decision to “take all of that energy” and “put that back into other things” to “keep him ever-present in everything that I do.”
Despite the profound loss, Parton says she can still feel Dean’s presence.
“I really feel his presence,” she confided, adding that her busy schedule and entrepreneurial spirit have provided an important outlet during her grieving process.
Parton made her first public appearance following Dean’s death in March when she surprised attendees at Dollywood’s 40th anniversary celebration with a special performance.
During the emotional appearance, she told the crowd: “Of course, I will always love [Dean], and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.
“He is in God’s arms now, and I am okay with that.”
The singer has also released a tribute song titled If You Hadn’t Been There, which she dedicated to her late husband.
Accompanying the release, Parton wrote: “Like all great love stories, they never end.
“They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”
Thanking fans for their support, Parton shared: “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.”