Dolly Parton shares heartbreaking tribute to husband Dean who has died aged 82

Carl Dean, the husband of Dolly Parton, has sadly died aged 82.

The much-loved country musician has since paid tribute to her lost love, whom she met all the way back in 1964.

The couple met at a laundromat - a self-service laundry facility - in Nashville when Parton was just 18.

Two years later, she wed then-asphalt-paving company owner Carl in a small church in Ringgole, Georgia. Only the singer's mother Avie Lee and the resident preacher witnessed the nuptials.

And the rest, they say, was history.

The pair shared almost 60 years of marriage - the earliest years of which saw Parton dedicate several of her songs, including 'Love Is Like A Butterfly' and 'I Will Always Love You', to Dean.

According to an announcement made by the hit-maker, he 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.

In the '9-5' hit-maker's statement, 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."

Parton has since released a tribute (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

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

The star previously emphasised that this isn't to say her husband doesn'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.

"And he told me that right up front."