Dolly Parton: ‘Separation’ Is Key To Long Marriage With Carl Thomas Dean

Dolly Parton has been married to Carl Thomas Dean for 52 years, and she’s so proud of the milestone that she’s sharing her secret to keeping their marriage intact through the years.

According to the 73-year-old singer-songwriter, “separation” is key to having a long-term marriage. For Parton, being apart from time to time does both parties good in the long run because this gives spouses something to look forward to when they reunite.

“It doesn’t hurt to have some separation,” the country songstress exclusively told Us Weekly at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday. “I stay gone a lot, so we’re excited when we see each other.”

Parton added that respect, forgiveness and, of course, love play a huge part in keeping the flame alive for many years to come and in making the matrimonial union work.

“You gotta kinda respect and like each other and forgive a lot of stuff and accept a lot of things. Love each other and keep your vows,” she said, referencing the key elements that strengthened her decades-long relationship with the 76-year-old businessman.

Parton and Dean tied the knot in May 1966, about two years after meeting for the first time in Nashville. During their first meeting, the singer was only 18 years old, while Dean was 21, as per Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, the “9 to 5” hitmaker was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year two days before the 61st Grammy Awards. At the special ceremony, Chris Stapleton, Pink and many other artists lauded Parton’s musical and philanthropic efforts through he years.

Parton has been confirmed to be one of the performers at the Grammys. This would be her first appearance at the biggest music awards ceremony since 2001. Rolling Stone has learned that she’s set to perform re-recorded versions of her hits as well as music from the soundtrack of Jennifer Aniston’s Netflix movie, “Dumplin’.”

Other confirmed acts for the big event are Cardi B, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monae, Brandi Carlile, Diana Ross, Post Malone and Dan + Shay. J Balvin, Young Thug, Ricky Martin, Arturo Sandoval and Camila Cabello are reportedly opening the show.

The 2019 Grammy Awards is set to happen this Sunday, Feb. 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast on TV and online live from 8-11:30 p.m EST.