Brad Paisley Reflects On How Dolly Parton’s Husband Was Happy To Be In The Shadows

October 26, 2026 5:55 am Published by Cheryl Johnstone

Brad Paisley says back in 2005 when he filmed the video for “When I Get Where I’m Going” with Dolly Parton, her husband, Carl Dean, waited in the car the whole time.

“Carl was just so happy to be in the shadows. She was in here a while. We walked around and talked in the house and had a great day. And she went out to get in the car, and I see him waving. He didn’t even come in! He was just so happy to drive her around. And she got in the car, and she drove away.”

This isn’t a total shock considering how private their relationship was. But it seems like they kept things private amongst her famous friends, too.

Also, in case you missed it, Brad performed“When I Get Where I’m Going” with Sierra Hull on the “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” special Wednesday night.

The tribute raised $1 million for Dolly’s Imagination Library. Belmont University, the Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. all contributed to a combined $1 million for the nonprofit.