Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's devoted husband of nearly 60 years who avoided the spotlight and inspired her timeless hit “Jolene,” died Monday. He was 82. According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton's publicist,

A while back, when she was promoting her book about her distinct style, Dolly Parton was asked if her husband Carl Dean had a favorite outfit of hers. Parton got a dreamy smile on her face as she remembered.

She and Dean got married on May 30, 1966 (Memorial Day) in a small ceremony attended by only Parton’s mother Avie Lee Parton, the preacher, and his wife. At that point, Parton had released a handful of singles and was a year away from the release of her 1967 debut album Hello, I’m Dolly.