Dolly Parton Draws Strength from Faith After Husband’s Passing
The iconic 79-year-old musician and entrepreneur, Dolly Parton, shows no signs of slowing down. Despite her hectic schedule, she finds strength in her faith to confront challenging times.
Parton experienced a significant change in her life following the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, in March, after nearly 60 years together. She revealed that her belief in God has helped her navigate through her grief.
“Because I have lost him on this plane on earth, I am a person of faith. I miss him every day,” she shared.
“I know he’s with God now—not with me—but he remains in my heart and memories. I treasure all of that. It’s my faith that helps me cope with work and life.”
Parton and Dean married in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia, and it was a tradition for them to return there every year on their anniversary. This year, however, she made the trip alone.
“I went there last week on our anniversary,” she recalled. “It felt like he was with me, and I placed his wedding ring on a little gold chain I wore, alongside my original wedding ring. I stood there just reflecting.”
Even amid her sorrow, Parton has kept her momentum going. In the past year, she released an album titled “Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith, and Stories,” celebrated the 40th anniversary of her Dollywood theme park, wrote a children’s book, and prepared for a Broadway musical based on her life.
“I love my job and have no intentions of retiring,” she asserted. “Everything we do is like a tree, branching out with numerous dreams. New dreams grow from the old.”
Parton jokingly referred to herself as a “Dreamer-in-Chief,” saying that retirement would only come due to sickness or death. She believes each new project brings her more energy and purpose.
“It feels like you’re doing what you’re meant to do. New things fuel your spirit—energy generates energy,” she added.
Parton firmly believes that her faith is foundational to her resilience. “I may not sound like a preacher, but through God, everything is possible,” she stated.
“If you hold onto those beliefs for strength and inspiration, and if you genuinely have faith, you can achieve a lot,” she concluded.
