Dolly Parton makes first statement since husband’s death: ‘He is in God’s arms now’

Dolly Parton is speaking out for the first time since announcing her husband’s death.

On Thursday, March 6, Parton took to Instagram to share a message with her fans.

“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans,” Parton began. “Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl.

“I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” Parton concluded her statement, referencing her hit song.

The message come three days after Parton took to social media to make the heartbreaking announcement about Carl Thomas Dean’s death.

“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the post read.

“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,” Parton’s post continued, in her own words.

“The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”

Dean and Parton were married for 59 years. He was 82 at the time of his death.

The couple met two years before becoming husband and wife in 1964 when Parton walked into the same laundromat Dean was in.