Dolly Parton is sharing her heartfelt gratitude and emotions following the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this week.

The country music icon took to Instagram on Thursday to express her appreciation for the love and support she has received during this difficult time.

In a deeply personal statement, which she described as a “love note to family, friends, and fans,” Parton thanked those who had reached out to her.

“Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respect for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” she wrote.

Acknowledging the overwhelming outpouring of kindness, she added, “I can’t reach out personally to each of you, but just know it has meant the world to me.”

Parton also found comfort in her faith, writing, “He is in God’s arms now, and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”

Her words reflected both her sorrow and her deep sense of peace in knowing that Dean was at rest.

Dean’s passing was first announced on Monday through a statement released on Parton’s social media accounts. According to the announcement, Carl Dean passed away on March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. The statement confirmed that he would be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by immediate family members. He is survived by his siblings, Sandra and Donnie.

Reflecting on their nearly 60 years of marriage, Parton spoke about their enduring love, stating, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” She expressed gratitude for the prayers and sympathy she had received, while also requesting privacy for her family as they navigated this difficult period.

The couple, who wed in 1966, maintained an exceptionally private relationship despite Parton’s status as a global music icon. While Dean largely stayed out of the public eye, his presence and influence were significant in Parton’s life and career.

Though Dean preferred to live away from the spotlight, Parton often shared glimpses of their relationship. She once revealed that his passion for rock ‘n’ roll music inspired her “Rockstar” album, which was released in 2023. Speaking about his influence, she remarked, “Most of these songs I chose because of Carl, and because I knew they were good songs — ’cause he knows good music.”

In a 2022 interview, Parton spoke candidly about the secret to their long-lasting marriage. She credited their ability to give each other space, their deep mutual respect, and the joy they found in their shared experiences. “I like it when people say, ‘How did it last so long?’ I say, ‘It’s [still] going,’” she said at the time. She went on to explain, “We’re not in each other’s face all the time. He’s not in the business, so we have different interests, but yet we have the things we love to do together.”

Parton firmly believed that their union was meant to be, adding, “He was the one I was supposed to have, and vice versa.”

As she mourns the loss of the man she described as the love of her life, Parton is finding solace in the memories they created together. While Dean may have chosen to live a life away from fame, his impact on the legendary singer’s life was profound. The love they shared, built on decades of companionship and unwavering support, remains an enduring testament to their bond.