Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer cherished by fans worldwide, has decided to retire from touring at the age of 76. Nevertheless, she remains dedicated to making new music for her loyal followers. In a recent interview with Pollystar, Dolly shared her reasons for this shift.
She stated, “While I may occasionally perform at special events like festivals or a few shows over a long weekend, I have no plans for a big tour anymore.” Instead, her focus will be on producing more music and spending cherished time with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Romance
Dolly and Carl’s love story started in 1964 when they met in front of the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Carl, then 21, felt an immediate connection and famously declared, “I’m going to marry that girl.”
This moment marked the beginning of their enduring romance. Reflecting on their first encounter, Dolly shared in a 1976 interview with the New York Times how Carl caught her attention by calling out to her from his pickup truck. Although she initially declined his invitation for a date, she later invited Carl over while babysitting her nephew, igniting their lifelong love story.
A Private Marriage and Enduring Commitment
In May 1966, Dolly and Carl wed in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, surprising their record company who suggested they wait. Unwilling to delay their union, they chose to keep it a secret, with only Dolly, Carl, and her mother in attendance. Over their 50 years of marriage, their love has only deepened. In 2016, they celebrated their golden anniversary by renewing their vows, reaffirming their enduring commitment to one another.
Focusing on Family and Personal Well-being
As they grow older, Dolly and Carl are concentrating on spending more quality time together. Dolly explained, “I used to travel extensively, but now I prefer to stay closer to home with my husband. As we grow older, I want to be there for him if anything happens.” She emphasized that she wouldn’t feel right leaving a tour abruptly due to personal matters. Her fans mean the world to her, and she wouldn’t want to let them down.
Exploring New Musical Directions
Dolly has also been exploring new musical directions, with her recent work taking a more rock ‘n’ roll approach, something she believes her husband will enjoy. She has even been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in May.
Reflecting on the nomination, Dolly thought, “Why not now?” She had always wanted to create an album specifically for her husband, given his love for hard rock ‘n’ roll. In addition, she is currently working on a Christmas special for NBC and finalizing her new album. Dolly intends to make the most of this time, enjoy herself, and express her deep gratitude to her fans for their unwavering kindness throughout her illustrious career.
Dolly’s decision to prioritize quality time with her husband while continuing to share her remarkable talent with the world underscores her profound love and appreciation for her fans. Balancing personal happiness with professional passion, Dolly Parton continues to inspire and captivate audiences everywhere.
