Dolly Parton revealed honest reason why she never had kids with late husband Carl Dean

Dolly Parton once revealed the touching honest reason why she never had kids with her late husband Carl Dean.

Now, while it's absolutely no one's business as to whether a woman decides to have children or not, it's clear the 79-year-old '9 to 5' singer felt she needed to provide an explanation.

Back in 2020, she discussed the 'freedom' she enjoyed alongside Dean, who she tied the knot with back in 1966, in their decision to not expand their family together.

"Since I had no kids, and my husband was pretty independent, I had freedom," Parton shared on The Oprah Conversation. "So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work."

The country icon continued: "I didn't have children because I believed that God didn't mean for me to have kids so everybody's kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library because if I hadn't had the freedom to work, I wouldn't have done all the things I've done.

"I wouldn't be in a position to do all of the things I'm doing now."

Parton's Imagination Library, which has been operating for three decades now, was designed to post free books to children until they begin school.

Speaking of finding her purpose, the 'Jolene' hit-maker resolved: "I've made sacrifices, but I think, like I said, I believe what I know I'm supposed to do."

According to a statement posted by Parton to Instagram earlier today (4 March), her husband died in Nashville this week surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his brother and sister Donnie and Sandra, and wife Parton, all of whom have planned a private burial, only to be attended by his immediate family.

She explained: "Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away on March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82.

"He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie."

Discussing their bond, Parton added: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years."

She also concluded her statement by expressing her gratitude: "Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.

"The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time."

Throughout their decade-spanning marriage, Dean remained predominantly out of the public eye, only having been seen out with his other-half on a handful of occasions.

She previously emphasised that this isn't to say her husband didn't support her fame - only that he's severely 'uncomfortable' with being under the watch of her fans.

One of the few times that Dean has been seen with Parton was at the BMI Awards, after she 'begged him' following the release of her No. 1 single 'Jolene' - which had received a nomination for 'Song of The Year'.

Speaking to press last year, she told listeners of Bunnie Xo's Dumb Blonde podcast: "He said, '"Look, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going'.

"And he never did."

The 79-year-old went on to explain: "He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it.