Dolly Parton says she'll 'always love' late husband Carl Dean in first public appearance after his death

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton made her first public appearance less than two weeks after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, on March 3.

Dean died at the age of 82. Parton and Dean were married for nearly 60 years.

Dolly Parton says 'I will always love him' while thanking fans for support

Dolly Parton, 79, attended a preview event for Dollywood season pass holders ahead of the theme park's 40th season in Tennessee.

She addressed the audience with gratitude and shared updates about Dollywood’s upcoming festivities.

Parton opened the event on March 14 by expressing appreciation for the kindness she received from fans.

"Of course, I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you," she told the audience, referring to her song 'I Will Always Love You,' as per local outlet WSPA.

Dollywood is undergoing a massive revamp which will continue  

She also talked about Dollywood which underwent more than a hundred development projects during its 70-day closure.

The upgrades in the park will continue throughout the 40th anniversary season.

The 2025 season at Dollywood will feature its renowned festivals, including the 'I Will Always Love You Music Festival,' which began with Friday’s event. Other events include the 'Flower & Food Festival', the 'Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration', Dollywood’s 'Harvest Festival', and 'Smoky Mountain Christmas.'

 Parton concluded the event by performing 'Celebrate The Dreamer In You,' marking her return to the public spotlight.

Dolly Parton's emotional tribute to Carl Dean 

Dolly Parton first announced Carl Dean’s death in a March 3 Instagram post.

"Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie," the post read.

Days later, she thanked fans for their support, writing on March 6, "This is a love note to family, friends, and fans."

"Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you've sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl," she added in the post.

"I can't reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God's arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you," she concluded. 

On March 7, Parton released a song titled 'If You Hadn't Been There' in Dean’s memory.

"Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end," Parton said, adding "They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him."