Dolly Parton quickly received an outpouring of support after she announced her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, “passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82.”

Parton, 79, confirmed on Monday evening (March 3) that she’d lost her husband of six decades. Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family in attendance. The family requested privacy as they mourn Dean’s loss, and Parton said in a statement: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Thousands of fans and celebrities — including other legendary country stars — offered their condolences, including Bunnie Xo (who recently hosted Parton on her podcast, Dumb Blonde, and spoke about the singer’s life with Dean), Martina McBride, Lainey Wilson, Jessie James Decker, Margo Price, Lauren Alaina, Ashley Cooke, Tigirlily Gold and many others in the Nashville music community. Others offering condolences to Parton include Khloé Kardashian, Diplo, and Reese Witherspoon, to name a few. Those stars and other commenters expressed their love for Parton and cherished the decades-long relationship she shared with Dean, who largely stayed out of the spotlight.

“The entire Lynn family sends our love to Dolly and Carl Dean’s family,” reads a statement shared to late legend Loretta Lynn’s social media pages. “Theirs is an amazing love story and we will carry Dolly in our hearts and prayers in the days to come.”

Fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Tanya Tucker shared a rare photo of Parton and Dean as she shared a heartfelt tribute: “l am beyond sad for My dear friend [Dolly Parton]. I remember meeting Carl when I stopped in at their house unexpected in Brentwood when I was 15 or 16. She made me chocolate chip cookies and we all sat around and talked and it was one of my most precious memories!! I know she's hurting and that makes me hurt too!!! Just wish I could wrap my arms around her! Rest Easy Carl!!! 🌹♥️”

Lee Brice shared a heartfelt tribute to Parton and Dean on his Instagram story on Tuesday afternoon. He wrote: “Since last night, I’ve been thinking a lot about Ms. Dolly Parton and the loss of her Husband, Mr. Carl Dean. Her & her music have been such a special part of the world for so long. Over the years, she’s given and shared so much of her heart, soul, life and deep faith with all of us…along with her passion to spread so much good in a world that needs it. Even the strongest spirits have those they lean on. Miss Dolly, your family is in our thoughts and prayers…we wish you God’s speed in finding the peace & comfort you’ve afforded the world for so long. Rest in peace Mr. Carl Dean.”

Parton met Dean at the Wishy Washy Laundromat the day she moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Parton said she “left two boyfriends back home [in East Tennessee] that had wanted to marry me,” so a boyfriend was “the last thing I want,” she said in her podcast interview with Bunnie Xo. But she quickly met Dean, and they remained together for 60 years. They would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in May. Parton said her husband was “a good guy,” “funny,” and always remained respectful of one another. “Everybody loves Carl.”

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