Love Letter: He found his father’s lost wedding ring decades later
Plus, suing a billionaire ex, what comes after a breakup and a refreshing match.
Love Letter
September 4, 2026

Dolly Parton was married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years. She called their relationship “sacred.”

Click the link below to learn how the pair kept their marriage going for decades. You’ll also find a story about a disgruntled ex suing in a case over “broken promises” and another about what happens after a breakup.

P.S. Know someone who could use some love? Forward today’s Love Letter their way.

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Dolly Parton, wearing a collared denim shirt, sits next to Carl Dean, who is wearing a black, V-neck sweater and is kissing her on the cheek.

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A LIFETIME OF LOVE

In Parton’s 60-year marriage, love was fueled by distance and difference. →

Sid Bass, a man with white hair, wears a suit with a blue shirt and tie.

David Woo/Corbis, via Getty Images

THREE WIVES LATER

He notified his ex-girlfriend of his new marriage in a six-sentence email with the subject line “news.” →

Two men face each other with a cityscape and the Hollywood sign far in the background. The man on the left looks like he's speaking.

Sela Shiloni for The New York Times

LIGHTS, CAMERA, BREAK?

They were Spain’s most high-profile gay couple. What would a breakup mean? →

An illustration of two men looking at each other at a party with a city skyline appearing behind them through the windows.

Brian Rea

WOULD YOU PICK UP?

He ghosted before ghosting was even a thing. Years later, he called back. →

A black-and-white photo of Trinity Tatum and Bryce Alakai against a pink and blue background.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

LOVE ON AND OFF THE ISLAND

Trinity Tatum and Bryce Alakai met on “Love Island USA” and stayed together through all 35 episodes. →

Amelia Dimoldenberg in a trench-style dress with a pink jacket over her shoulders stands in front of a food counter at a chicken shop.

Charlotte Hadden for The New York Times

AT THE CHICKEN SHOP

The internet’s favorite flirt closes up shop. →

LISTEN TO THE “MODERN LOVE” PODCAST

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Modern Love

In 24 Hours, My Whole Life Changed

“I remember having this feeling of: Wait a second. You’ve got the wrong guy.”

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MORE STORIES ABOUT LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

In front of draped white curtains, and white and green florals, bride, left, stands in a lace strapless gown with a bustier and flowing skirt, smiling as she holds up white calla lilies in one hand, and the groom's hand with the other. He is wearing a white dinner jacket and black pants.

“I WOULD HAVE MARRIED HIM THAT NIGHT”

Her first match on Raya was the only one she needed. →

A pink and black illustration of a woman peeking out her front door to look at a man sitting on a nearby stoop and reading a book.

TINY LOVE STORIES

“I shouted over and invited him to a party, fulfilling a friend’s dare.” →

A close-up photo of a white gold wedding ring being displayed on a finger.

LOOKING THROUGH THE YEARS

A lost wedding ring, found again after 40 years. →

The groom, left, in a suit and tie, has his arm around the bride, in a white sleeveless dress, as they sit by the edge of a pool with their feet in the water.

A REFRESHING MATCH

Who needs a first dance when you can have a first swim? →

Warm your heart with our best stories on love, sex and relationships. Some will make you cry. Some might make you blush.

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Warm your heart with our best stories on love, sex and relationships. Some will make you cry. Some might make you blush.

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This newsletter was written by Michaela Keil and edited by Matt Yan.

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