Dolly Parton’s sister is paying tribute to her late brother-in-law, Carl Dean.
After the country legend’s husband of almost 60 years died on Monday, Stella Parton took to social media to thank the public for their support.
“On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl’s family we appreciate your prayers at this time,” Parton’s younger sister, 75, penned on X after the news broke.
The “9 to 5” singer, 79, previously confirmed Carl’s death in a statement on Instagram.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the post read.
The icon added some of her own words, too.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” she shared.
The message concluded, “The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.”
Many celebrities took to the comment section to share their condolences, with country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, 63, writing, “Sending you all of my love @dollyparton!”
His ex-wife, Tish, 57, echoed his sentiments, sharing, “Love you Dolly.”
Parton and Billy Ray have been close for years after the pair first toured together in the ’90s.
“I was on tour and then Billy toured with me and so that’s how we just got to be good friends, because he’s a Kentucky boy, I’m from Tennessee,” she revealed on “The Howard Stern Show” in 2024.
Parton even became the godmother to Billy Ray and Tish’s daughter Miley Cyrus.
Which ended up being fate, considering the songstress found out last year that she is related to the “Hannah Montana” alum.
“Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are seventh cousins, once removed! Their common ancestor is John Brickey, born in 1740 in Virginia,” Ancestry said in a statement given to Access Hollywood.
Parton responded, “Is that true? That’s amazing!”
“Well, we’re so close, Miley and I. I would’ve thought we would’ve been at least third cousins, 10 times removed,” she teased.
Other friends left their well wishes and support beneath the star’s Instagram post, including Brody Jenner’s mom, Linda Thompson.
“I am so saddened to read this… But I hope you find some comfort, darling Dolly, in knowing that you brought him many years of love and joy! You are such a gift to the world and I believe that Carl was a gift to you. Sending you Lots of love and deepest condolences.”
Carl largely stayed out of the spotlight during their marriage, something that Parton fully understood. In May, she revealed the key to their successful marriage.
“It is important to have someone there in your corner and you know they’ll love you for just who you are,” she said while on E! News at the time. “There’s a great comfort in knowing that someone loves you exactly for who you are—because he fell in love with me before I became a star.”
“To him, I’m his star,” Parton explained, adding that their dynamic has “worked for us because we both do different things and it’s exciting when we are together.”
