Dolly Parton said she is putting all new songwriting projects on hold as she mourns the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Speaking on the 9 July episode of Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, “Khloé in Wonder Land,” the 79-year-old country star explained that while creative ideas keep coming, she “can’t afford the luxury of getting that emotional right now.” Dean, a famously private businessman, died on 3 March in Nashville at the age of 82. The couple, married since 1966, had been together for 59 years. Parton noted that their contrasting personalities—she in the spotlight, he a self-described loner—made them “so good for each other.” Parton released a tribute single, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” shortly after Dean’s passing but said further work will wait until she feels ready. She continues to pursue other commitments, including a planned Las Vegas residency later in the year, but emphasized that the joy of writing music must pause while she processes her loss.