For nearly 60 years, Dolly Parton kept her marriage to Carl Dean deeply private—so much so that when he passed away in March 2025, many knew little about him. Now, as Dolly’s life story comes alive in Dolly: An Original Musical, she’s opened up to the cast, sharing intimate details to help them capture the essence of their unique bond. Dolly’s heartfelt letter explaining her absence on the day of Carl’s death revealed the depth of their love behind the scenes.