Dolly Parton Chooses Love Over Touring: Home is Where the Heart Is

Dolly Parton is a true icon within both the country music scene and the world of celebrities.

Originating from Tennessee, Dolly has solidified her status as a legendary figure. Despite a lifetime dedicated to performing and singing, she has brought immense joy to her countless fans.

Now, at 76 years old, this superstar has formally declared her retirement from touring, opting to focus on creating music while cherishing precious moments with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

Dolly Parton
Shutterstock/Jack Fordyce

End of Touring Era

In a recent interview with Pollstar, Dolly Parton disclosed her decision to retire from touring. She stated:

“I will do special shows occasionally, here and there. Maybe shows for a long weekend or just a few shows during a festival. But I don’t plan on going on a full tour anymore.”

Instead, the renowned country music artist will maintain her focus on music creation and quality time with her beloved husband.

The Beginning of Dolly’s Love Story with Carl Dean

Back in 1964, Dolly encountered Carl Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. At 18 years old, Dolly captured Carl’s heart with her special presence…

More details below the photo.

Dolly Parton
Shutterstock/Tinseltown

“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” expressed Dean about their initial meeting, as cited by Entertainment Tonight.

Reflecting on their first encounter, Dolly recalled how Dean spotted her from his pick-up truck and urged her attention. Despite initially declining a date, she eventually invited him over while babysitting her nephew, igniting a timeless love story.

Dolly Parton
Instagram/dollyparton

A Lifetime of Love

In May 1966, Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a private Ringgold, Georgia ceremony. Despite pressure from her record label to postpone the wedding for career reasons, the couple chose an intimate ceremony away from the Tennessee media limelight. The only attendees were Dolly, Carl, and her mother.

Since then, Dolly and Carl have nurtured a deep bond, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2016 with a vow renewal.

Dolly Parton husband
Instagram/dollyparton

And now, they are looking forward to more cherished time together.

In her interview with Pollstar, Parton delved into her touring experiences:

“I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy. I like to stay a little closer to home and to my husband. We’re getting older, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks in a row. Something could happen. I wouldn’t feel good if I was away and someone needed me. Or I would feel bad having to cancel a tour because someone at home gets sick and needs me, and I have to leave the fans.”

Rock ‘n Roll Ahead

Dolly has indicated that her upcoming music ventures will feature a rock ‘n’ roll vibe dedicated to her husband’s taste. Notably, she was recently nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Regarding this honor, she shared, “When I was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I thought, ‘Well, there’s no better time here’. I’ve always wanted to do it. My husband is a big hard rock ‘n roll fan, and for years I thought, ‘One of these days, I want to do an album primarily for him, just to do it.’”

Dolly Parton
Shutterstock/s_bukley

She is currently working on her upcoming album alongside preparing for a Christmas special on NBC this year. Regarding the special, she mentioned:

The Show Must Go On…

“It’s a show within a show, focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama of putting a show together. It portrays all the challenges faced—arguments with producers, artist issues, mishaps with props, last-minute cancellations and rescheduling… I wouldn’t consider myself an actor because I’m just being myself completely. I’m simply Dolly, not playing a character.”

Furthermore, Dolly is collaborating with actress and producer Reese Witherspoon on a film adaptation of the novel “Run, Rose, Run,” co-authored by Dolly and James Patterson.

Dolly Parton
Shutterstock/Tinseltown

Dolly Parton’s Well-being

While Dolly Parton has been a symbol of resilience and fortitude for many, her decision to step back from extensive performances is rooted in personal experiences and health concerns.

Navigating health challenges in the past, particularly in the 1980s, Dolly learned the importance of listening to her body. Despite battling health issues like endometriosis, she pushed through until collapsing on stage during a performance in Indianapolis.

Her health scare led to a significant realization and eventual partial hysterectomy.

Embrace it, Dolly! Your contributions are immeasurable! Relax and savor the joys of life! Your fans will forever adore you.

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