When you think of Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, the first thing that likely comes to mind is their decades-long marriage, which has stood the test of time in Hollywood. Despite their life in the limelight, the couple has always kept their relationship private, with Dolly famously saying, “Carl doesn’t like the spotlight.” But now, the couple’s surprising—and refreshingly humble—way of showing love has been revealed, and it’s not what you’d expect from a country music icon and her longtime partner…
While Dolly is known for her extravagant lifestyle and larger-than-life persona, it turns out that her husband, Carl, shows his love in a way that’s down-to-earth and surprisingly “cheap”—at least by Hollywood standards.
In an interview, Dolly shared the heartwarming and humble way Carl expresses his affection for her: “He’s always loved me with his actions, not just his words, but one of the sweetest things he does is that he’s always writing me little notes. Not expensive gifts, just simple, handwritten notes.”
Dolly went on to explain that Carl’s notes are often left in unexpected places—on the kitchen counter, tucked into her purse, or even slipped into the pages of her favorite books. “It’s his way of showing me that he’s thinking about me when we’re apart, and honestly, there’s nothing more meaningful than that.”
While many might assume that someone in Dolly’s position would receive lavish gifts or expensive gestures from her husband, it’s the simplicity and thoughtfulness of Carl’s gestures that have made their marriage so strong. Dolly has long praised Carl for his steady, unwavering support, and it’s clear that this “cheap” yet deeply meaningful habit is just another way he shows his love.
“People think we’re this glamorous couple, but Carl and I are really just two people who love each other, plain and simple,” Dolly said with a smile. “It’s not about the big, fancy things—it’s the little moments and thoughtful gestures that count.”
Their love story continues to inspire, showing that the foundation of a lasting relationship doesn’t have to be built on extravagance or public displays of affection. Sometimes, the sweetest things are the simplest—and for Dolly and Carl, it’s the little notes that say it all.
Fans of Dolly were quick to embrace this humble side of the couple, with many sharing their own stories of simple acts of love in their relationships. “This is why we love Dolly—she’s real, and so is her love for Carl,” one fan wrote on social media. “It’s always the little things that mean the most.”
As Dolly continues to light up stages across the world, her love story with Carl Dean serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures are the most profound. And in their case, it’s a humble note that keeps the spark alive.