Dolly Parton has openly shared why she and her late husband Carl Dean chose not to have children, explaining that her life, career, and the state of the world all played a role in that decision.
Speaking to Saga Magazine, the music legend said, “When you’re a young couple, you think you’re going to have kids, but it just wasn’t one of those burning things for me. I had my career and my music and I was travelling. If I’d had kids, I’d have stayed at home with them. I’m sure and worried myself to death about them.”
The singer, best known for hits like 9 to 5 and Jolene, explained that her career required constant travel and long periods away from home.
She felt that having children would have meant stepping away from music, something she deeply loved and felt called to do. Over the years, she became comfortable with that choice and felt it allowed her to focus fully on her work and creative life.
Dolly also shared that her feelings were shaped by the state of the world. She said she would “hate to be bringing a child into this world right now,” because of “everything that’s going on.” Despite not having children of her own, she believes she has been able to give love in a different way. “I always say God didn’t let me have children so that all kids could be mine,” she added.
She met Carl Dean in 1964 outside a laundromat, a moment she has often described as special and surprising. She once said he stood out because he looked at her face while speaking to her and showed real interest in who she was. The two married quietly in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia, choosing privacy over attention.
Throughout their marriage, Carl stayed out of the spotlight, and the couple rarely appeared together in public. Carl passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82.
In past interviews, Dolly has said that she and Carl once assumed they would have children and even picked out names. Health challenges also played a role, as she has endometriosis and later had a partial hysterectomy, which deeply affected her emotionally at the time. Still, she says she has no regrets and feels at peace with her life choices.
While she is not a mother, Dolly shares a close bond with her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, who calls her Aunt Dolly.
Country music artist Dolly Parton and Milley Cyrus. Photo Courtesy: Business Insider.
The two have worked together often, and Dolly has praised Miley’s talent, intelligence, and character. Through her music, charity work, and relationships, Dolly Parton says she has found many ways to love and care for others without having children of her own.