Dolly Parton — Bizarre Secret Behind Her Reclusive Husband

Dolly Parton's reclusive husband, Carl Dean, notoriously avoids the limelight — and The National ENQUIRER has learned from an expert that his bizarre behavior could be symptomatic of a severe personality disorder!

Retired road builder Carl has been wed to the country queen for nearly 52 years, but has practically barricaded himself behind an electrified fence on their sprawling Tennessee estate and refuses to be part of her celeb life.

He also shuns fans and neighbors and once put a paper bag over his head to keep from being photographed. “People have been saying for years Carl’s a curious fellow,” snitches an insider. “He resists stepping off his vast property beyond the electric fence he put in to keep out tourists.

“He never spends time with Dolly, except at Christmas, but that’s the way he likes it," the source continued. “Most husbands would be by their wife’s side, supporting her at gigs and making sure they are a big part of her life, but not Carl.”

Indeed, his refusal to accompany Dolly on her appearances led to her traveling for decades with pal Judy Ogle, which triggered lesbian rumors. He even insisted their 2016 50th wedding vow renewal be held in secret despite Dolly’s wish to make it a big public to–do.

An expert sees signs of avoidant personality disorder in Carl’s extreme behavior. “Avoidant personality disorder is a pervasive pattern by people feeling socially inhibited and like they aren’t good enough,” said marriage and family therapist Carolyn Klassen.

“When people have an avoidant style of relating to the world, what they are often doing is choosing to relate to the world in a way that keeps them safe,” said Klassen. “If they avoid risks in the world, then they also risk avoiding rejection and abandonment.

"They don’t have to feel like they’re not good enough at something if they don’t even try.” Klassen, who has not treated Dean, says Carl and Dolly need to step back and decide if his behavior is “healthy.”

“They get to decide if what he’s doing is the best way to be living," she adds, "or if he’s missing out because it’s hard for him.”