Dolly Parton, at 78 years old, has provided rare insights into her 58-year marriage with Carl Thomas Dean, who is 82 years old. Their relationship is a perfect example of how opposites can attract and make love last.

The Secret to a Lasting Marriage: Opposites with a Sense of Humor

Section 1: The Contrasting Personalities

Dolly Parton is known for her vibrant and loud personality, while Carl Thomas Dean is quiet and reserved. However, this contrast is what makes their relationship so unique. As she said in the podcast, "He's quiet and I'm loud, and we're funny." Their different personalities add an element of excitement and surprise to their lives together.Even in the face of life in the limelight, their differences have not caused any major problems. Instead, they have found a way to respect each other's views and have a lot of fun together. Their shared sense of humor has helped them avoid major arguments and break the tension when things get too intense.

Section 2: The Power of Humor in Marriage

The "Jolene" singer believes that their shared sense of humor is one of the keys to the longevity of their marriage. As she explained, "Anytime [there's] too much tension going on, either one of us can like, find a joke about it to really break the tension, where we don't let it go so far." This ability to find humor in difficult situations has helped them maintain a strong bond over the years.She has seen how arguments can escalate and become a lifetime thing with others, and she is glad that she and Carl have never fought back and forth. Their approach to dealing with tension has allowed them to keep their relationship healthy and strong.

Section 3: The Importance of Privacy

In their six decades together, Carl Thomas Dean has largely shunned the spotlight, choosing to maintain his privacy despite his wife's A-list fame. The couple, who have no children, are rarely seen together in public, but Dean remains entirely supportive of Parton's career.This decision to protect their privacy has allowed them to focus on their relationship and enjoy each other's company in private. As Parton said in a 1977 PEOPLE cover story, "What we have together is so sweet and good that I'd never want it to get jumbled up with the other."

Section 4: The Draw of Opposites

In 2015, Parton told PEOPLE that being so different was what drew her to Carl Thomas Dean. She said, "We're completely opposite, but that's what makes it fun. I never know what he's gonna say or do. He's always surprising me." This sense of mystery and excitement has kept their relationship fresh and alive over the years.Even when they renewed their vows in 2016 at their home in Nashville, Parton was excited to have a beautiful wedding dress for the occasion. Their first wedding, in Ringgold, Ga., with only her mother as a witness, was a simple affair, but their love has only grown stronger over time.