Brad Paisley Shares Memory Of Dolly Parton & Carl Dean’s Wholesome Relationship
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Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton Shared A Special Connection
Like many artists in country music, Brad Paisley shared a special bond with Dolly Parton throughout their careers. The two recorded the emotional duet “When I Get Where I’m Going” in 2005, and the song went on to become an award-winning hit.
The collaboration earned Vocal Event of the Year honors at both the CMA Awards and ACM Awards. Their music video also won Video of the Year at the ACM Awards.
In October 2026, Paisley paid tribute to Parton by revisiting the beloved song during the CMA’s televised celebration of her life and legacy. He performed it alongside bluegrass musician Sierra Hull as artists gathered to honor Parton’s lasting impact on country music.
Shortly after her passing in August, Paisley shared an emotional post in honor of Parton, explaining that getting to know the country music legend was “life changing.”
“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is,” Paisley wrote. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us. Goodbye hero. We will always love you.”
Brad Paisley Shares Sweet Memory Of Dolly Parton & Carl Dean
Parton passed just 17 months after her beloved husband, Carl Dean. While Dean largely kept his own life private despite her massive fame, she often told stories about how he was her biggest fan.
Parton and Dean shared a love story that spanned nearly 60 years. During an appearance on the Rolling Stone Nashville Now podcast, Paisley recalled a special moment involving the couple while he and Parton were recording their 2005 duet, “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
Paisley recalled Dean driving Parton to the location where they filmed the music video for their duet. He shared that Dean never even came inside, but he gave them a friendly wave as they headed out, content to wait for his wife.
“Carl Dean, her husband, 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.”
The video features Paisley singing in a forest, along with home-movie footage of his grandfather and images of people remembering loved ones they have lost. Parton also appears holding a photograph of her grandfather, Rev. Jake Owens.
Watch Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton’s music video for “When I Get Where I’m Going” below.
