In a March 6, 2025, Instagram post, Parton thanked family, friends, and fans for their support and shared that she had found peace in her faith, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”

Parton’s tribute comes after the reveal of Dean’s funeral arrangements, marking another step in honoring his memory. According to information shared with the Associated Press by her publicist, Dean will be honored in a private funeral service attended solely by his immediate family.

Parton herself offered a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound grief that comes with losing her husband of almost 60 years. “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,” the country legend shared.

While the family has not disclosed further details regarding the location or specifics of the ceremony, the desire for privacy aligns with Dean’s well-known aversion to public attention.

As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes in a private ceremony, Parton’s sister, Stella, took to X on March 4, 2025, to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support from the public. “On behalf of my sister Dolly, our family and Carl’s family, we appreciate your prayers at this time,” she penned.

Details surrounding his funeral and the message shared by Parton’s sister follow initial reports about the death of the man who captured the “9 to 5” singer’s heart. Dean is survived by Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.

The family, who has not shared Dean’s cause of death, has requested privacy during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of a man who remained a steadfast presence in Parton’s life since their wedding in 1966. Parton crossed paths with Dean on her very first day in town, two years before they tied the knot. She had just arrived in Nashville to stay with her Uncle Bill, who had moved there two weeks earlier.