Dolly Parton has done a good job keeping her husband Carl Dean out of the public eye for decades. However, concerns are rising as even her best friend Reba McEntire has never met him. People are starting to doubt if he is real, but the country star swears he exists.
An insider revealed that Carl is simply introverted, and even though he is a supportive husband, he prefers to stay out of Dolly’s show business. Dolly has also warned in previous interviews that she would only ever retire to look after Carl if he falls ill.
Where is Dolly Parton’s husband?
Sources say Dolly’s 82-year-old husband lives reclusively and always turns down invites to celebrity events, including shows where Dolly gets awarded. They clarified that Dolly does not keep Carl away from the people or her friends on purpose, but simply respects his wishes.
Dolly also prefers to focus on her career and sees no need to flaunt him on social media like fans expect. She once admitted that his health requires careful management, and he would rather stay home and attract public concern about his condition.
Is Dolly Parton’s husband ill?
More reports reveal that Dolly’s husband has been diagnosed with multiple conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, and a weak heart. Dolly slowed down on show business last year by putting touring aside to enjoy their last years together. Insiders say she has been a dotting wife, staying home more and cooking his favorite meals herself.
Amid spending more time with her husband, including a recent camping trip, Dolly is getting set to release her Broadway musical, Hello I’m Dolly, which she hopes to release in the spring of 2026. She is also writing a book of the same name and hopes to make it into a biopic after.