In 1964, 18-year-old Dolly Parton arrived in Nashville with dreams of becoming a country music star. Shortly after arriving, she went to the Wishy Washy Laundromat to do some laundry. Outside, she caught the attention of 21-year-old Carl Dean. Dean called out to her from across the street, and Dolly waved back. He walked over and the two began talking. Dolly later remembered being impressed that Carl looked directly at her face while they spoke instead of staring at her body. For Carl, the attraction was immediate. He later recalled thinking that he was going to marry her. Over the next several days, he repeatedly visited the home where Dolly was staying. On their first real date, he introduced her to his parents. Their relationship continued as Dolly worked to build her music career. When they decided to marry, her record label reportedly urged her to wait because executives worried that marriage could hurt her emerging image. Dolly ignored the advice. On May 30, 1966, Dolly and Carl traveled to Ringgold, Georgia, with Dolly's mother, Avie Lee. They married in a small ceremony with only a handful of people present. Dolly wore a simple white dress rather than an elaborate wedding gown. As Dolly became one of the biggest stars in country music, Carl deliberately remained outside the spotlight. He rarely attended public events and preferred a quiet life away from the entertainment industry. Their marriage lasted nearly 60 years, until Carl's death in 2025. Gorgeous photos of the musical icon: