What would you do if you’d built an empire worth half a billion dollars? Would you splurge on a massive mansion or choose a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle?
Well, we certainly know what Dolly Parton (estimated net worth of $500 million) would do! The famed country singer and her husband of 57 years—who has chosen to stay out of the spotlight—are apparently spending their days on a quiet farm.
Keep reading to get a glimpse of their cozy abode!
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s love story
Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married for nearly six decades since their May 1966 wedding in Ringgold, Georgia. Early in their marriage, the couple decided not to have children, with Dean opting to keep a low profile and stay out of the public eye.
Parton has often said that their marriage has lasted so long because of her husband’s choice to remain distant from her career. Their love story began in 1964 when Parton moved to Nashville to pursue her singing and songwriting career. They met at a laundromat when Parton was 18 and Dean was 22, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Parton revealed that the secret to their marriage is respecting her husband’s privacy and ensuring he isn’t unnecessarily exposed to the entertainment industry. She explained that Dean chose her, not her career, and she respects his desire for a quieter, more private life.
Over the years, many people have humorously speculated that Dean didn’t exist due to his few public appearances. Parton responded by saying that being in the limelight is “just not who he is. He’s a quiet, reserved person and he figured if he ever got out there in that, he’d never get a minute’s peace, and he’s right about that.”
Beyond this, the pair share a mutual respect for each other. Parton loves that her husband isn’t jealous of her and is genuinely curious about her work. She also appreciates that he encourages her to achieve her goals. Clearly, they’re perfect for each other!
Dolly Parton lives on a farm
Parton shed light on her husband’s life away from the public eye. Dean has retired from his paving business and enjoys a quiet life on their farm. The couple spends lots of time together on their property, with Parton often staying there since she stopped going on music tours.
Their quiet life at home includes outings in their RV, heading to drive-throughs, exploring Tennessee and Kentucky, and staying at clean motels for restful breaks. They cherish these simple moments together.
Despite Parton’s substantial net worth, she values quality time with Dean above all else. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a simple country dinner at their Nashville home, enjoying a homecooked meal prepared by Parton, which included chicken and dumplings and Dean’s favorite, pecan ice cream.
Parton even gave viewers a glimpse into her lovely home for Reese Witherspoon’s YouTube series, and it’s more gorgeous than you could imagine!
Parton and Dean had previously said that they wanted to renew their vows on their 50th anniversary, with family and friends in attendance. Afterwards, they planned to revisit the place where they had their original honeymoon.
While Parton may still perform at festivals and short weekend shows, she knows that this will eventually come to a halt as she ages. She wants to spend more time with her family, especially Dean, so she is content with their quiet farm life away from the limelight.
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