Dolly Parton’s legendary career is well-known, filled with iconic hit songs and memorable movie roles that have solidified her as a global superstar. However, one aspect of her life that has remained mostly out of the spotlight is her long-standing marriage.

Parton met her husband, Carl Dean, when she was 18, and for 58 years, they’ve shared a life together, largely away from public attention. Dean’s preference for privacy is so strong that, at times, fans have even questioned his existence. Despite this, Parton has always respected his wishes, only sharing glimpses of him over the years, which never fails to captivate her fans.

With a career spanning over six decades, Parton has delivered timeless hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She has also made her mark in Hollywood with unforgettable roles in films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. Yet despite her immense fame, her relationship with Carl Dean remains one of the most private aspects of her life.

The couple married in 1966, and while Dolly has lived in the limelight, Carl has managed to stay out of it, fueling curiosity about their relationship. Even though Parton is candid about many areas of her life, she has fiercely protected her husband’s desire for privacy. While she enjoys the public eye, Dean prefers a quiet life, and this dynamic has worked for them throughout their marriage.

Their love story began humbly — in a laundromat. Parton had just moved to Nashville to pursue her dreams when she crossed paths with Dean, a 21-year-old Nashville native, as detailed by People. Far from being drawn to the glitz of her budding stardom, Dean was a grounded man who ran an asphalt paving business and had no interest in fame. From the outset, he made it clear that he didn’t want to be part of the spotlight, a stance he has maintained for nearly six decades.

In the first ten years of their marriage, Dean didn’t attend any of Parton’s concerts. Once, she convinced him to join her at an awards ceremony where she was honored with “Song of the Year.” Dean found the experience uncomfortable and, by the end of the night, was stripping off his rented tuxedo, vowing never to attend another public event. Parton respected his decision, and Dean has remained out of the public eye ever since.

While Carl avoids the limelight, his influence can be heard in Dolly’s music. He has shaped some of her musical tastes, encouraging her to explore new genres, particularly rock. A fan of classic rock legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean inspired Parton’s musical journey into rock, which is reflected in her 2023 album, featuring nine original songs and 21 covers of rock classics. “Most of these songs I chose because of Carl, and because I knew they were good songs, ’cause he knows good music,” Parton shared with ABC News.

Despite being one of the world’s most famous couples, Parton and Dean have maintained a private and enduring marriage, a rarity in the entertainment industry. Parton attributes their lasting bond to mutual respect and humor. “I think it’s true of all relationships—you have to respect each other. We make each other laugh,” she explained in an interview.

Through all the glitz and glamour of her career, Dolly and Carl’s love story has remained steady and strong, proving that sometimes the greatest love stories unfold quietly, far from the public eye.