Dolly Parton’s late husband Carl Dean’s niece is taking over managing his estate after the country legend’s death

DAILYMAIL.COM • 2h ago

By ADAM S. LEVY, US SENIOR SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER 03:53 20 Oct 2026, updated 03:59 20 Oct 2026

The niece of Dolly Parton’s late husband Carl Dean has taken an administrative position in Dean’s estate.

Following Dean’s death at 82 on March 3, 2025, Parton, who died this past August 25 at the age of 80, had been in charge of the business arrangements over Dean’s estate.

Following her passing, Dean’s niece Dea Chaggin Cunningham was appointed in charge of administration of his estate, TMZ reported Monday after reviewing legal documents.

Parton, amid her health issues, was not able to finalize the arrangements for Dean’s estate prior to her passing, according to the outlet.

Dean’s will allocated all of his estate to Parton in the case he died before she did, the outlet reported.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Parton’s estate for further comment on the story.

Dean had a clause stating that if Parton died before he did, his estate was to be split between his five nieces and nephews, and Parton’s 14 nieces and nephews, according to the report.

Among those listed included Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver, who has made headlines amid a legal row with Parton’s business manager in the wake of her passing.

Parton and Dean had been wed for more than 58 years prior to his death.

The late couple had exchanged vows May 30, 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia with Parton’s mother as the lone guest at the ceremony.

The beloved late vocalist spoke with People last November about their relationship, saying, ‘Ours is a great old love story.

‘Most people don’t stay that close that long,’ she said. ‘That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself.

‘He will always be in my heart and in my memories.’

In the interview, Parton remembered her late spouse, who ran a paving company, as someone who ‘was very independent’ and ‘liked being alone.’

Parton said Dean ‘didn’t really care about being with anybody but’ her.

She told the publication, ‘He had a few friends, but he loved being on the farm and doing his thing. He was kind of a loner, which worked out best for us.’

Parton said Dean’s ‘whole thing was he was famous for not being famous’ as he kept a low profile amid his spouse’s decadeslong superstardom.

Dean was referenced in the speech Seaver delivered online announcing her passing.

‘Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,’ he said.

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