Dean, who lived a reclusive life, rarely appeared in public. He passed away at 82, and a rare photograph of him has become significant as one of the last glimpses of the man who stood by Dolly Parton’s side for decades. The couple’s love story began in 1964 when Dean, then 23, saw 18-year-old Parton at a laundromat and knew he wanted to,
marry her. They wed in 1966 despite advice to stay single for her career. As Parton’s fame grew, Dean kept a low profile, running his asphalt business and supporting her quietly. He made a rare public appearance in 2019, his first in over 40 years. Dean passed in March 2025, and Parton requested privacy during her mourning. His funeral was small, honoring his wish for privacy. For Parton, Dean was the love of her life, always in her shadow.