Dolly Parton addresses conspiracy theory that her husband of 54 years is imaginary
Parton and her husband married in 1966
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dolly Parton has addressed the conspiracy theory that her husband of 54 years Carl Dean is imaginary, explaining that he just prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
The country music star discussed the humorous fan speculation during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“A lot of people have thought that through the years because he does not want to be in the spotlight at all. It's just not who he is," Parton said. "He's like, a quiet, reserved person and he figured if he ever got out there in that, he'd never get a minute’s peace and he's right about that."
According to Parton, Dean’s preference of a private life has been something she’s “always respected and appreciated” about him, and she’s “always tried to keep him out of the limelight as much as I can”.
"He said: 'I didn't choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.' And we do and we have,” the 74-year-old said.
The Jolene singer also credits the time she and Dean, 78, spend apart as the key to their successful marriage.
“I always joke about the fact when people ask me why it’s lasted this long, I say: ‘Because I stay gone,’” Parton said, adding: “And there’s a lot of truth in that.”
“But we do have a great respect and admiration for each other,” she continued. “We both have a great sense of humour. So, we have a lot of fun."
This is not the first time Parton has joked about the importance of space in a marriage. In a 2016 interview with Today, the singer said that when people ask her how she and Dean have managed 50 years of marriage, she says: “Forty-seven of those years I was gone.”
Parton and Dean got married on 30 May 1966, with the Grammy winner revealing that they renewed their vows with another wedding ceremony on their 50th anniversary.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments