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“I’ve always respected and appreciated that in him and I’ve always tried to keep him out of the limelight as much as I can. He said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.’ And we do and we have,” Dolly explained.
The “Let It Be” crooner also described Carl as a kind and dependable man who constantly surprised her, making their relationship both fun and enduring. “He’s a deep person, but he has a great and warped sense of humor. He makes me laugh and entertains me. He’s very secure within himself,” shared Dolly.
Dolly Parton in London, California in 1977 | Source: Getty Images
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The “Wildflowers” singer also divulged what she and Carl loved to do for fun. The pair enjoyed simple pleasures together, often taking short trips in their RV where they could relax and unwind. Dolly loved reading, cooking, and spending quiet time with her husband, embracing a laid-back routine.
While Carl preferred staying close to home, appreciating his independence, Dolly was the opposite, as she’s always eager to explore and stay busy. Their differences, she noted, balanced their relationship and contributed to its lasting strength.
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“But when we’re together, we have enough things in common that it works. We love the simple life. We can be calm and just have a good time,” she revealed.
Unlike many in the music industry, Dolly always kept her marriage separate from her career. She hadn’t planned on getting married or meeting someone special, but love had other plans. From the start, Carl recognized that music was her calling, something she had been determined to pursue since childhood.
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No matter the circumstances, she was committed to making it in Nashville. While she acknowledged that she could step away from music if Carl ever needed her due to illness, it was a decision she would make on her own, not because someone pressured her to quit.
Throughout their marriage, he never asked her to give up her career, allowing her to chase her dreams without interference. Dolly said, “He’s proud of me, but he’s not necessarily a fan. He don’t particularly like to hear me sing.”