Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, opens up in the new issue of with Closer Weekly, giving readers a rare glimpse inside the country queen’s private world, including her 50-year marriage.

In the exclusive interview with Closer, Stella stresses that while Dolly’s husband, busi­nessman Carl Dean, is reclusive, he’s never let the Partons down.

“When it’s important stuff family-wise, he’s there — weddings, births, and funer­als. But he doesn’t care a thing about all the public stuff. It’s not his bag at all, and we respect that,” Stella tells Closer, on newsstands now.

dolly parton stella parton getty images

Dolly and Stella.

“He thinks of all that as fool­ishness. But he doesn’t say anything about us doing it because ‘That’s what the girls do.’ That’s the way he says it,” Stella reveals with a laugh.

MUST SEE: Check out Dolly Parton’s Best Film Roles

That dichotomy is what makes them work, Stella insists. “They’re very unique, but they complement each other. They let each other be free to be the way they are,” she says.

“He really is my best friend,” Dol­ly tells _Closer _of the man she wed on May 30, 1966. “If I had it to do all over, I’d do it all over again, and we did,” she adds, referring to their pri­vate vow-renewal ceremony last year to mark their golden anniver­sary. “I’m dragging him, kicking and screaming, into the next 50 years!” she jokes. Stella confirms that Carl is a great match for her sister. “He’s a good guy!”

For more on Dolly, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!

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