Few journalists ever got to meet Carl Dean, the husband of Dolly Parton, who died Monday at age 82. He was renowned for his reclusiveness, developing a legend — probably in spite of himself — as perhaps the least-sighted but most-speculated-about spouse of any enduring superstar in the last half-century of pop culture.

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton ’s husband and love of more than 60 years, has died. Parton made the announcement with a statement on her website and social media Monday. “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82,” the statement said.

Dolly Parton has thanked fans for their support after the death of her husband, saying he is "in God's arms now and I am okay with that."