Dolly Parton has revealed that her late husband Carl Dean had been "ill for quite a while" before his death.
Carl Dean, who was married to Parton for more than 60 years, passed away back in March, which was confirmed by Parton on social media.
"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together", she said. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy".
Speaking in a new interview, Dolly Parton revealed that her husband had been ill for quite a while prior to his death, while also opening up about her struggles with coping with his passing.
"I really feel his presence. I just try to go on, because I know I have to. And he was ill for quite a while, and part of me was at peace that he was at peace and not suffering anymore," she stated. "But that still doesn't make up for the loss and the loneliness of it".
Parton did not shed any further light on her husband's illness.
Elsewhere, the singer added that Carl, who was rarely seen out in public, was "very proud" of her.
"So when I did lose him, I just thought, well, I'm going to take all of that energy, and I'm just going to put that back into other things, and I'll keep him ever-present in everything that I do", she said.
Parton herself is promoting her new book, Star Of The Show, My Life On Stage, which arrives on 11 November, while also working on a new musical based on her life and career.
"I just think that if you're successful, if you are lucky enough to see your dreams come true, you need to make new dreams out of your other dreams", she said.
