Washington, Apr 30 : Country star Dolly Parton has said that her 43-year marriage to hubby Carl Dean is still alive because she ''stays gone'' for her tours.

The ''9 to 5'' hitmaker married Dean in 1966, and still giggles with excitement at the thought of jumping into his arms after weeks on the road.

However, the 63-year-old crooner has claimed that that busy schedule keeping them apart is what has made their union so strong.

She said that their long-distance love leaves them both wanting more.

"I stay gone. So when I am home, he''s excited to see me, and I''m excited to see him," Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

She added: "He''s a good guy. He loves staying home though." (ANI)