Dolly Parton Taking Break From Songwriting After Husband’s Death
DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE, JUL 10 – Dolly Parton paused songwriting after Carl Dean's March death, citing emotional difficulty; she remains active in projects and plans to return when ready, she said.
- Dolly Parton has decided to pause her songwriting following the passing of her longtime spouse, Carl Thomas Dean, earlier this year at age 82.
- Dean had been ill for some time before his death, and Parton described adjusting to life without him as a big change in patterns and habits.
- Parton and Dean shared over 60 years together after meeting outside a Nashville laundromat, marrying two years later, and building a long-lasting partnership.
- Parton mentioned that she may create new work down the line and expressed appreciation for the support from her fans while saying she will always keep Dean close to her heart.
- This pause in songwriting reflects Parton's current grieving process, but she remains confident she will produce new music when the time feels right.
43 Articles
43 Articles

Dolly Parton taking break from songwriting after husband's death
(NewsNation) — For those wondering why Dolly Parton has been in the background, there is good reason. The country music icon told Khloe Kardashian on the latter's "Khloé in Wonder Land" podcast that she is taking a backseat from songwriting following the death of her husband, Carl Dean. The pair married in 1966 and remained together until Dean's death on March 3 at the age of 82. “My husband passed away three months ago. … Several things I’ve wa…
Dolly Parton x Khloé Kardashian’s Denim Line Will Let You ‘Take Him Just Because You Can’
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. You have eleven Grammys, a catalog of over 3,000 songs, and are one of the most-streamed artists of all time. So, what’s next? If you’re Dolly Parton, the answer is simple: you team up with a Kardashian. Back in April, the iconic singer, songwriter, and indisputable national treasure partnered with Khlo…
Dolly Parton unable to write new songs after losing husband of nearly 60 years
Country legend Dolly Parton put songwriting "on hold" while grieving husband Carl Dean's death, explaining she can't bear the emotional toll of songwriting during this difficult time.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium