Iconic country superstar Dolly Parton, at 77 years young, is reportedly hitting the pause button on her legendary career to be by the side of her beloved husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, as he faces the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, according to insiders at RadarOnline.com.
Dean, 81, has been courageously battling Alzheimer’s for several years, and now, Dolly is shifting her focus to provide the care and support he needs during this challenging time.
“Despite her enduring presence on the touring circuit, Dolly has made the heartwarming decision to step back from the stage as her husband’s well-being takes precedence. Family means everything to her,” revealed an insider to the National Enquirer.
The source continued, “She wants to ensure they cherish every precious moment together.”
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean, who tied the knot in 1966 when she was just 20 years old and he was 23, have kept their personal lives and marriage relatively private throughout their enduring union. While Dolly has captivated audiences worldwide with her chart-topping country hits, Dean has maintained a low profile, making him an enigmatic figure in the eyes of the public.
Dolly has amassed a staggering fortune of $650 million from her illustrious music career, while her husband has remained the steadfast rock behind the scenes.
Carl Dean’s battle with Alzheimer’s was reportedly diagnosed in 2019, adding to his pre-existing health concerns, which included high blood pressure and heart problems.
Dolly Parton, after headlining more than a dozen tours and earning a nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, made the decision to scale back her career, explaining, “I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband.”
Insiders have noted that Dolly is fiercely protective of her marriage and her husband’s privacy, especially in light of his health challenges.
“They’re not as physically active as they once were. Carl isn’t as eager for adventurous outings like he used to be. It’s a natural slowdown, and he relies more on Dolly and their staff these days. But Dolly sees this as a better option,” shared a source.
Reports suggest that Dolly lovingly dotes on her husband, even preparing his favorite dishes like chicken and dumplings. She acknowledges the value of their time together after a lifetime of companionship.
“As we age, I don’t want to be away for four or five weeks at a time. Anything could happen,” Dolly reflected. “I wouldn’t feel right if I were away and someone needed me. I’d feel awful if I had to abandon a tour because someone fell ill at home and needed my presence. I couldn’t leave the fans hanging.”
Dolly Parton’s decision to prioritize her husband’s well-being over her career is a testament to the enduring love and commitment between the two, leaving fans touched by her unwavering devotion.
Dolly Parton’s decision to step back from her legendary career to support her husband, Carl Dean, as he battles Alzheimer’s disease is touching and demonstrates her deep commitment to their relationship. How do you think her fans and the public will react to this news? Leave us a comment.