Dolly Parton once disclosed the heartfelt and honest reason why she never had children with her late husband Carl Dean.
While it is entirely up to a woman whether or not to have children, it is evident that the 79-year-old ‘9 to 5’ singer felt compelled to provide an explanation.
Back in 2020, she addressed the ‘freedom’ she shared with Dean, whom she married in 1966, in their decision not to extend their family together.
“Since I had no kids, and my husband was pretty independent, I had freedom,” Parton shared on The Oprah Conversation. “So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work.”
The country icon continued: “I didn’t have children because I believed that God didn’t mean for me to have kids so everybody’s kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library because if I hadn’t had the freedom to work, I wouldn’t have done all the things I’ve done.
“I wouldn’t be in a position to do all of the things I’m doing now.”
Parton’s Imagination Library, which has been operating for three decades now, was designed to post free books to children until they begin school.
In terms of discovering her mission, the ‘Jolene’ singer stated: “I’ve made sacrifices, but I think, like I said, I believe what I know I’m supposed to do.”
Parton announced on Instagram earlier today (4 March) that her spouse died in Nashville this week, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his brother and sister, Donnie and Sandra, as well as his wife Parton, who have all prepared a private burial for only his immediate family.
She explained: “Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband, di:ed on March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82.
“He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by his immediate family.” He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.”
Parton continued, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together.” Words cannot express the love we have shared for more than 60 years.
She also concluded her statement by expressing her gratitude: “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.
“The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.”
Throughout their decade-long marriage, Dean kept largely out of the public glare, only appearing alongside his other half on a few occasions.
She previously stated that this is not to mean that her spouse does not accept her celebrity, but rather that he is very ‘uncomfortable’ being watched by her followers.
Dean has only been seen with Parton at the BMI Awards, where she ‘begged him’ after the release of her No. 1 single ‘Jolene’, which was nominated for ‘Song of the Year’.
Last year, she told listeners of Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast that he stated, “Look, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going.”
