Carl and Dolly met outside a laundromat in Nashville in 1964. Dolly was only 18 years old at that time and was busy fulfilling her dream of becoming a singer. Their first meeting itself was very special – it is said that Carl told Dolly that if she kept standing in the sun, she would burn with sun. That simple comment started a conversation that turned into a lifelong love.

They both immediately connected with each other and two years later, they got married in a small and private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. The wedding was so simple that only Dolly’s mother attended. Despite a formal beginning, their marriage became one of the most powerful love stories in the entertainment industry.

While Dolly became a major star, Carl preferred to live a quiet, private life. He owned an asphalt paving business and kept out of the spotlight. Their decision to stay private helped make their marriage so powerful and loving. Dolly often said that Carl’s down-to-earth nature kept him grounded during the ups and downs of fame.