Inside Dolly Parton’s Low-Key Love Life—And the Fast Food That Fueled It

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s nearly 60-year-long marriage was the epitome of a low-key love story. While their relationship was seldom in the public eye, it had an enduring quality that captivated fans. Their bond was built not on extravagant displays of wealth or fame but on simple, heartfelt moments. One of the most charming aspects of their connection? Fast food—specifically, Taco Bell.

It was at a laundromat in Nashville on Dolly’s very first day in town where she met Carl, marking the beginning of their humble romance. Fame and fortune would later allow them to live the kind of life many only dream of, but the couple never lost sight of what truly mattered: spending quality time together.

For their date nights, Carl and Dolly would get in their car and drive around, seeking comfort in their favorite fast food spots. “We love to just get out in that little camper of ours and drive through restaurants,” Dolly told Business Insider in 2022. “I love to get a good burger and french fries on the highway like everybody else, and we go get hot doughnuts now and then. It depends on what we’re in the mood for. Whether it’s tacos or burgers or whatever, we can go get it!”

But when it came to tacos, it was always Taco Bell. Dolly’s go-to order is surprisingly relatable: Taco Supreme, Mexican Pizza, rice and beans, and mild hot sauce. The Taco Supreme, she says, is a practical choice—“Soft shell tacos don’t fall apart as badly, especially if you’re riding around.” She even helped bring the Mexican Pizza back to the Taco Bell menu in 2022, proving she wasn’t just a casual fan but a devoted one.

The Mexican Pizza—a combination of crispy flour shells, pizza sauce, beans, seasoned beef, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses—is the perfect sidekick to Dolly’s Taco Supreme. And, of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a side of rice and beans, paired with mild hot sauce. “I don’t like to get it too hot and ruin everything,” she added with a smile.

It’s clear that for Dolly and Carl, Taco Bell was more than just a fast food spot; it was part of their love language. Whether they were on the road or at home, sharing a meal from Taco Bell encapsulated the essence of their relationship—unpretentious, genuine, and filled with moments of joy found in the simplest of pleasures.

As Dolly and Carl proved, sometimes love is best enjoyed in the most ordinary of moments—like sharing a Taco Supreme on a soft shell, cruising through town in a camper. And though Carl Dean is no longer with us, the memory of their special bond—and their shared love for Taco Bell—will forever be a testament to their enduring love.

So next time you swing by Taco Bell for a late-night snack or a quick dinner, think of Dolly and Carl. Love, after all, can be found in the most unexpected places—whether it’s in a drive-thru or in the comfort of someone’s arms.