Dolly Parton is still grieving the loss of her husband of almost 60 years, Carl Dean. In a recent interview with The Independent, the country singer shared that Dean had been "ill for quite a while" before his passing in March at the age of 82.

Parton, 79, expressed her relief that Dean was no longer suffering, saying, "And part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore. But that still doesn't make up for the loss and the loneliness of it."

The 10-time Grammy winner also spoke about how her religious beliefs have helped her cope with the loss. "I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I'm going to see him again someday," she said.

Parton also shared that she will always carry Dean's presence with her, saying, "I see him every day in my memories and in my heart, and in all the things that we used to do and all the things that we've built together."

The couple met in 1964 outside a laundromat in Nashville, where Parton had moved to pursue a career in music. Dean remained private and out of the spotlight throughout their decades-long marriage, but was always Parton's biggest fan.

Days after Dean's passing, Parton released a song dedicated to him titled "If You Hadn't Been There". She wrote on Instagram, "I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together... Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."

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Photo credits: Dolly Parton/Instagram, courtesy Dolly Parton, Jason Kempin/Getty