Dolly Parton’s husband of almost six decades, Carl Dean, has died aged 82.

The country idol announced Dean’s death in an Instagram post on Monday night. He died in his native Nashville, Tennessee.

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton, 79, said. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Dean avoided the limelight

Dean, a businessman, chose to remain out of the spotlight as his wife built her legendary career in the music industry. His support from behind the scenes was a dynamic that Parton always insisted helped to strengthen their relationship.

In fact at points his preference for privacy even raised speculation among fans that he did not exist. “A lot of people