Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died on March 3rd at 82. The 79-year-old singer made a formal announcement on her social media page and requested the prayers and support of loved ones. Although the couple enjoyed a lasting love for over 60 years, they had no children.
In past interviews, Dolly Parton has often discussed why they decided to live freely without kids. Even though not much about her husband is known because he preferred keeping a private life despite his wife being a celebrity, Dolly Parton acknowledged that their decision was mutual and that they had no regrets.
Dolly Parton’s children – does she have any?
Dolly Parton says she doesn’t regret not having children:
“I haven’t missed it like I thought I might. When you’re a young couple, you think you’re going to have kids, but it just wasn’t one of those burning things for me. I had my career and my music and I was travelling. If… pic.twitter.com/slq2NijQFV
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 23, 2023
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean met in 1946 in Nashville when she was 18, and he was 21. They married two years later on a Monday and continued their lovely relationship. Both newlyweds often wondered what their children would look like, whether they would be as tall as Dean or have the same stature as Dolly, and they agreed to name their daughter Carla.
However, when they had no kids, Dolly Parton concluded that “God has a plan for everything,” and they had no child so that she could be a mother to every other person’s kids. This belief gave them the courage to live happily while she pursued her dreams. She was often on a tour, traveling away from home, while her husband enjoyed the privacy of being unknown.
Meanwhile, having no biological children made Dolly Parton feel responsible for other children. She started her Imagination Library, where she shares books with kids from birth until they reach kindergarten. In September 2017, the Jolene singer released an album for children because she was returning to her “second childhood.”
The sacrifice for her career
Dolly Parton also believes that not having children is one of the reasons she had the freedom to achieve her dreams and become the person she is today. She credited her ability to travel long distances and build her career to her independence of being without kids.
Dolly Parton also acknowledged that this is part of her sacrifices in an industry that demands time for family, friends, and vacation in place of success and recognition.