Dolly Parton has sent a “love note” to all who have supported her following the death this week of Carl Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years.
The 79-year-old “Jolene” singer shared her gratitude Thursday afternoon in a statement on Instagram.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” wrote the 10-time Grammy winner.
“I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” concluded Parton, a nod to her 1973 hit.
Parton announced the death of 82-year-old Dean in a statement shared to her social media Monday.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” said Parton. “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
The statement added that Dean would be laid to rest in a private ceremony for immediate family. A cause of death was not given.
Parton was 18 when she met Dean at a Nashville laundromat the same day she moved to Music City, according to a post on her website, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They wed two years later, on Memorial Day 1966.
Dean steered clear of the spotlight, with Parton in 2016 describing him to People as “a loner.
“He doesn’t particularly care about being around anybody but me. He’s just always asked me to leave him out of all this. He does not like all the hullabaloo,” said Parton ahead of their 50th anniversary. “He’s always been supportive. He’s like a brother and a father and a friend and a husband and a lover — all of those things to me. I think he’s kind of proud that we’ve been in it this long!”