Dolly Parton and Late Husband Carl Dean’s Secret Idyllwild Cabin Listed for $770K.
Dolly Parton’s former cabin retreat in the picturesque town of Idyllwild, CA, has once again been listed for sale—just eight months after it was sold for $585,000. The mountain hideaway was originally owned by Parton, 79, and her late husband, Carl Dean, for decades before she gifted it to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California in 2023. The charity then sold it in July 2024, and now, the cabin is back on the market for $768,000.
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The charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, nestled in the serene Idyllwild mountains, offers much more than just breathtaking views. Described as "Dolly Parton’s former Idyllwild retreat—a home as iconic as the legend herself," the listing highlights the home’s deeply personal connection to the country music legend. The listing goes on to say, “If walls could sing, this charming three-story mountain retreat would be belting out a country classic.” Nearly everything inside remains just as Dolly left it, showcasing many of the personal items and collectibles that filled the home during her stays.
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The home, now updated with a new luxury shingle roof and an electric vehicle charger, retains its nostalgic charm. A tea set left on the kitchen table along with instructions on how to brew the perfect cup of tea is just one of the personal touches. The handwritten note, signed “Merry Christmas—2002,” offers a step-by-step guide for preparing “tea—English style,” adding a special, sentimental layer to the cabin’s atmosphere.
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Beyond the tea set, various knickknacks, collectible plates, and framed artwork decorate the cabin’s wood-paneled rooms. A signed photo of Dolly in her youth hangs on a wall, and in the bathroom, a guitar-shaped toilet seat further honors her musical career. The home features multiple fireplaces, adding coziness to the 1,800-square-foot space. The listing also notes the home’s midcentury chalet flair, with soaring wood-beamed ceilings, expansive windows, and a dramatic stone fireplace built around a massive granite boulder.
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Dolly and her late mother were the last to occupy the cabin, leaving behind a treasure trove of decor, collectibles, and furnishings that are included in the sale. The spacious loft, said to be Dolly’s favorite spot to write and play music, adds a poignant connection to the legendary singer’s personal history with the home.
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Although the property is now brimming with Dolly’s influence, the cabin’s ownership remained a secret for many years, only being revealed when it was sold in 2024. Built in 1996, the cabin was purchased by Parton in 1994 for $126,000, a far cry from her expansive Tennessee estate. The couple enjoyed a quiet, private life at their Tennessee home, Willow Lake Plantation, where they lived for many years, away from the public eye.
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Dolly and Carl Dean’s love story began when they met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat on the day Dolly moved to Nashville at age 18. They married two years later in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, choosing to live a low-key life. Their marriage remained deeply personal, far from the Hollywood spotlight, with Carl opting for privacy despite Dolly’s immense fame.
The Idyllwild cabin’s sale offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Dolly Parton’s legacy, and the home is sure to be treasured by its next owner.
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In conclusion, Dolly Parton’s cabin is more than just a home; it is a place filled with history and memories. Whether you’re a fan of her music or simply appreciate the charm of a secluded mountain retreat, this cabin offers an extraordinary connection to the legendary singer’s personal life. It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dolly Parton’s world.
