Dolly Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, was known for being incredibly private, but that didn’t stop his superstar wife from celebrating him through her  music—and sometimes playfully teasing him, too.

One of her most iconic songs, “Jolene,” was inspired by a quirky incident involving a bank teller who developed a crush on Dean, whom Parton married in 1966. Parton shared the story in a 2008 NPR interview: “She got this terrible crush on my husband,” Parton said. “And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke between us—when I would say, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’” She added, “It’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”

While Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at 82, stayed out of the spotlight, he was deeply appreciative of his wife’s music. In 2023, Parton revealed to the Associated Press that “My Blue Tears” was one of his favorite songs she’d ever written. Originally released on her 2001 album Little Sparrow, the song was re-recorded with Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran for Parton’s 2023 rock album Rockstar. “I thought, ‘Well, I better put one of Carl’s favorites of mine in here,’” she explained.

Read on for a look at more songs that Dolly Parton wrote about Carl Dean throughout their enduring marriage:

‘Just Because I’m a Woman’ (1968) 

While not a traditional love song, Dolly Parton’s “Just Because I’m a Woman” became one of her most famous and impactful hits—and it was inspired by a conversation she had with Carl Dean early in their relationship. Parton opened up about the story in a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone: “My husband doesn’t particularly like for me to tell this, but he’s old enough now, so he don’t really give a big s—.”

She continued, sharing how the conversation unfolded: “See, I had had sex before we met, but I hadn’t mentioned it, and he hadn’t asked. We were married for eight months, happy as we could be, and all of a sudden he decides to ask. I told him the truth, and it broke his heart. He could not get over that for the longest time. I thought, ‘Well, my goodness, what’s the big damn deal?’”

That conversation led to Parton writing “Just Because I’m a Woman,” which opens with the heartfelt lines: “I can see you’re disappointed / By the way you look at me / And I’m sorry that I’m not / The woman you thought I’d be.” The song has since become a classic, known for its raw, relatable honesty.

‘Tomorrow Is Forever’ (1970)

Dolly Parton first recorded “Say Forever You’ll Be Mine” in 1969 for her duet album with Porter Wagoner, Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca. She later re-recorded it for her 2016 album Pure & Simple, which was filled with both old and new love songs.

In a 2016 interview with Cosmopolitan, Parton shared the personal inspiration behind the album: “When I decided that I wanted to write a love album — you know, I’ve been married 50 years this year to my husband, Carl — I had two songs that I had written in our early days, early in our marriage.” She explained, “I had recorded them, I guess, in the late ’60s, early ’70s… I remembered those two songs as being two of my favorite love songs that I’d ever written, so I just thought, ‘Well, it’s been so many years, many of my fans have never even heard those songs.’”

“Say Forever You’ll Be Mine” reflects the enduring love and devotion that characterized Parton’s relationship with Dean, resonating deeply with listeners as one of her heartfelt tributes to their long-lasting bond.