Country singer Dolly Parton has died aged 80. She was one of the most recognised faces in the world, but her personal life remained largely private. She was married to Carl Dean for almost six decades and was raised with 11 brothers and sisters.
A six-decade marriage kept out of the spotlight
Dolly married Carl Dean in 1966. They were together for nearly 60 years and died within just over a year of each other. At the time of his death, Dolly said: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
The singer said Carl was "never in the limelight" and had no interest in fame. In a 2023 interview she explained: "Carl has never been in the limelight and all, never wanted to be in it. He don’t like it."
Godmother to Miley Cyrus
Dolly and Carl never had children. However, Dolly was godmother to Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus. Miley rose to fame on the TV series Hannah Montana, which began in March 2006, and Dolly guest starred throughout the show's run. Parton became close to Miley's father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, when they toured together in 1992.
While on SiriusXM's The Howard Stern Show in 2023, Dolly said: "I love Miley. She’s my little sweetheart. I’ve known her since before she was born, actually." After news of Dolly's death broke, Miley wrote on X/Twitter: "I can't believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches."
Raised in a three-bedroom cabin with 11 siblings
Dolly came from a large family. She had six brothers and five sisters, and they were all raised together in a cabin with just three bedrooms near the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee. Their names are Willadeene, David, Coy, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd and twins Freida and Rachel.
In 2016, Dolly spoke fondly of her siblings: "With that many brothers and sisters there was plenty of teasing and fighting, but we were all in it together."
