Dolly Parton has announced the death of her husband, Carl Dean, at the age of 82.
In a statement posted Monday (March 3), Parton wrote that he had died that day. She wrote, "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." See her post below.
UPDATE (3/7, 9:13 a.m. ET): Parton has released a new single, "If You Hadn't Been There," paying tribute to Dean.
"I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together," she explained. "Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."
Listen to the song below.
UPDATE (3/6, 1:47 p.m. ET): Parton has now issued another statement on her husband's passing.
"This is a love note to family, friends, and fans," she wrote on Instagram. "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. I can't reach out personally to each of you but just know that it has meant the world to me."
She continued, "He is in God's arm's now and I am okay with that. I will always love you."
Parton and Dean married on May 30, 1966. He was known to avoid the spotlight, rarely appearing at public events and running an asphalt business in Nashville. Although Parton used her maiden name professionally, she has stated that her passport reads "Dolly Parton Dean," and she uses Dean as her legal last name.
In 2016, the couple renewed their vows for the 50th anniversary of their marriage.