For over 50 years, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean have been one of the sweetest and longest-lasting couples in the entertainment business. Although Dolly has graced the big and small screens for decades, her most important role has been her role as the wife of her beloved husband.

The couple has maintained a long and mysterious marriage, made up of infrequent public appearances and little media coverage. However, one extremely rare photo of the two together recently surfaced – and fans were absolutely delighted.

A Closer Look at the Rare Photo of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean

The rare photo of Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean made its way onto social media earlier this month. The image shows the married couple smiling lovingly on what appears to be a romantic stroll in the park.

Although the couple has been together since 1966, this is the first official picture of the couple since Dolly invited photographers to their wedding.

It’s not known who took the picture, but the snapshot immediately brought a smile to the faces of Parton’s numerous admirers.

The Joyful Marriage of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean

Credited as the inspiration to some of Parton’s autobiographical songs, Carl Dean is a retired asphalt layer and the driving force behind their down-home marriage.

The couple first met when Parton was just 18, at the Wishy-Washy Laundromat in Nashville, TN. Several weeks later, the pair found themselves engaged.

Parton and Dean opted for a small and intimate ceremony on May 30th, 1966.

Celebrating 54 Years of a Beautiful Marriage

To this day, Parton has remained a devoted wife, often taking to Twitter and talk shows to sing her husband’s praises. Parton once said, “I may look sexy and all that, but I’m homely, just like I am with Carl. We laugh out loud a lot. We have a good time.”

The couple will celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary on May 30th, 2020.

Parton’s Insights into a Long and Joyful Marriage

Parton is an avid believer that it takes two to make a marriage last. She has been vocal about spending time with each other, supporting one another, and having a good laugh or two every day.

“On our anniversary every year, no matter how hard up we are, Carl always buys me something special,” Parton said. “That’s one of the things I’ve always kept, no matter how hard it’s been. We always honor our wedding anniversary with something special, even if it’s just a rose or chocolate.”

Thoughts on Maintaining a Lasting Marriage

Parton also believes that partners must make a date to be alone every once in a while, whether that means attending a regular event or simply going out for a cup of coffee.

“You have to make time for each other. You shouldn’t ignore your spouse and think that things will get better,” Parton said. “You have to let your partner know that you still love them and are still interested in them and that you think about them. We still date and we’re still in love — 54 years later!”

The Influence of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean

The glowing and enlightened marriage between Parton and Dean has been an inspiration to couples all over the world. By maintaining a marriage based upon mutual respect and admiration, the couple has become a symbol of enjoying the little moments life has to offer.

Parton summed it up brilliantly when she said, “I think the secret of a long and happy marriage is two people who just know how to make the best of it, and to keep the romance alive.”

Rarer than a one-hundred-dollar bill, the recent snapshot of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean has reminded us that lasting marriages still exist today. Although Dolly and Carl have kept their marriage out of the spotlight for decades, their journey for 54 years is reflective of a couple who deeply cherish one another.

Through mutual respect, time for one another, and a healthy dose of laughter each day, Parton and Dean offer a perfect template of marriage for so many of us to emulate.