Dolly Parton's family has experienced significant losses recently. In 2025, Dolly's husband, Carl Dean, passed away after nearly 60 years of marriage. Dolly has been grieving and has decided to put her music career on hold for a while as she processes her emotions. She expressed that Carl was her emotional anchor and remains deeply missed.
Additionally, Dolly's older brother, David Wilburn Parton, died in November 2024 at the age of 82. David was one of Dolly's 11 siblings; several of her brothers, including Larry, Floyd, and Randy, have also passed away over the years. The family has publicly mourned these losses, with Dolly's sister Stella sharing condolences and updates.
Aside from these losses, other members of Dolly's extended family, including siblings and their children, continue their lives, with some still involved in music and performances linked to Dolly's career. Dolly herself has been stepping back from public appearances and certain commitments, such as recently skipping a Dollywood event, possibly due to mourning and scheduling changes.