Dolly Parton described her marriage to her late husband, Carl Dean Thomas, as a "great old love story" in reflections shared months after his passing in March 2025. Thomas died at the age of 82.
Parton, who was married to Thomas for nearly 59 years, having wed in May 1966, said in May 2025 that she longed for him every day. "Of course I miss him. I’m having to really go through a lot trying to figure out how to be without him because I was with him for so long," she told Entertainment Tonight.
She added, "There’s that part of me that will miss him forever. … For the rest of my life, I’m sure." Parton also noted that while she felt the loss deeply, she found comfort in knowing he was no longer suffering. "He did suffer a lot for the last few years, and there’s a part of me that’s happy he’s at peace and at rest."
Six months after Thomas's death, Parton reflected further in an interview with People, stating, "Ours is a great old love story." She emphasized the rarity of such enduring closeness, saying, "Most people don’t stay that close that long. That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself. He will always be in my heart and in my memories."
Thomas, Parton's husband of nearly six decades, was known for his intensely private nature, rarely appearing in public or in photographs with the iconic singer. Their wedding ceremony in 1966 reportedly had only Parton and the officiant in attendance, reflecting their shared desire for a low-profile life together away from the spotlight.
Parton has often spoken of her deep affection for Thomas throughout her career, attributing her grounded nature and continued success in part to his support and their enduring bond. The couple's story, though largely lived away from public view, became a symbol of enduring love and commitment for many of her fans.