Dolly Parton's hit song was released in October 1973 and has since been covered by dozens of musicians. She previously said that the ballad was "loosely based on a little bit of truth" by a woman who had a crush on the singer's late husband,

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's devoted husband of nearly 60 years who avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene,” died Monday. He was 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton's publicist,

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's husband for nearly 60 years and the man whose flirting inspired her classic hit "Jolene," has died. He was 82. Parton announced the news today in an Instagram post. "Carl Dean,

Carl was the love of Dolly’s life before he died in 2025. Learn more about the couple’s private relationship and whether or not they shared kids together.

How Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean inspired her hit song ‘Jolene’ – and how he felt about it - Country music icon’s husband of almost 60 years died this week

Dolly Parton's iconic song 'Jolene' was actually inspired by a woman who had on a crush on her late husband Carl, who she was married to for almost 60 years

Dolly Parton met Carl Dean outside a laundromat on the day she moved to Nashville in 1964. Two years later, they tied the knot.

Mr. Dean, who inspired songs including “Jolene” and “From Here to the Moon and Back,” was known to shy away from the spotlight as his wife rose to fame.

Carl Thomas Dean has died at the age of 82. He married Dolly Parton in 1966 but stayed out of the spotlight and was rarely seen in public.