Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, known and loved by fans all over the world, has made a decision to step away from touring at the age of 76. But don’t worry, she’s still dedicated to creating new music for her loyal followers to enjoy.
In a recent interview with Pollystar, Dolly shared her reasons for this change. She explained, “While I may occasionally perform at special events like festivals or a few shows over a long weekend, I have no plans for a big tour anymore.” Instead, she intends to focus on making more music and cherishing precious moments with her beloved husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
Dolly and Carl’s love story began in 1964 when they first met in Nashville, Tennessee in front of the Wishy Washy Laundromat. Carl, then 21, felt an instant connection and famously declared, “I’m going to marry that girl.” This marked the beginning of a lifelong romance that he cherishes dearly and wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
Reflecting on their first encounter, Dolly recalled in a 1976 interview with the New York Times how Carl caught her attention by calling out to her from his pickup truck. Although she initially turned down his invitation for a date, a few days later, while babysitting her nephew, she mustered the courage to invite Carl over. And thus, their beautiful love story began, a story that would stand the test of time.
Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, in May 1966, much to the surprise of their record company who suggested they wait. However, they couldn’t bear the thought of delaying their union and chose to keep it a secret. Only Dolly, Carl, and her mother were present to witness their special day.
Throughout their 50 years of marriage, Dolly and Carl have remained deeply in love. In 2016, they celebrated their golden anniversary and decided to renew their vows as a testament to their enduring commitment.
Now, at this stage in their lives, Dolly and Carl are focused on spending more quality time together. Dolly explained, “I used to travel extensively, but now I prefer to stay closer to home with my husband. As we grow older, I want to be there for him if anything happens.” She also shared that she wouldn’t feel right leaving a tour abruptly because of personal matters. Her fans mean the world to her, and she wouldn’t want to disappoint them.
Dolly also divulged that her recent music has taken a more rock ‘n’ roll direction, something she believes her husband will appreciate. In fact, she has received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in May.
When she learned about the nomination, Dolly thought, “Why not now?” She had always wanted to create an album specifically for her husband, knowing his love for hard rock ‘n’ roll. Additionally, she is currently working on a Christmas special for NBC and wrapping up her new album. She intends to embrace this time, have fun, and express deep gratitude to her fans for the endless kindness they have shown her throughout her illustrious career.
Dolly’s decision to prioritize quality time with her husband while continuing to share her incredible talent with the world is intertwined with her unwavering love and appreciation for her fans.
