Dolly Parton is 'at peace' with husband Carl Dean's death, admits she has to 'relearn' shared habits

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton is finding comfort after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, just two weeks ago.

The country music legend recently attended Dollywood's 40th opening ceremony, marking her first public appearance since his death.

Dean, whom Parton was married to for nearly 60 years, died on March 3 at the age of 82. The singer has since shared how she is processing the loss and keeping his memory close.

Dolly Parton says she is 'at peace that he’s at peace'

Dolly Parton reflected on Carl Dean's death, revealing she is doing better than expected.

“I’m doing better than I thought I would,” she told Knox News at Dollywood’s opening ceremony in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

She shared how she is adjusting to life without Dean, saying, “I’ve been with him 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close.”

The 'Jolene' singer admitted that while she is at peace with Dean’s death, it does not lessen the grief.

“I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that does not keep me from missing him and loving him,” Parton said.

Dolly Parton says Carl Dean 'suffered a great deal' before his death

Dolly Parton revealed that Carl Dean had endured a lot of suffering before his death but did not disclose specific health conditions. “He suffered a great deal,” she told the outlet.

She also reminisced about how Dean enjoyed visiting her theme park without drawing attention to himself.

"He used to come to the park; he bought his own ticket –– stood in line and got his ticket,” she said.

“He didn’t want somebody giving him a ticket ‘cause he was Dolly’s husband. Everybody thinks that’s the funniest thing," she revealed.

Dolly Parton says 'I’ve been crying  enough'

At Dollywood’s opening ceremony, Dolly Parton addressed parkgoers, expressing her continued love for Carl Dean.

“I will always love him, and I miss him,” she said, according to the publication. “You know how I loved him and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working,” she added.

She acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the past weeks, saying, “I’ve been crying enough the last week or two,” and that attending the event was a way to “laugh” and “have some fun.”

Dolly Parton dedicates song to late husband Carl Dean

On March 3, Dolly Parton announced Carl Dean’s death via Instagram.

"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 expressed gratitude for the support she received, 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."

On March 7, Parton released a song titled 'If You Hadn't Been There' in Dean’s memory. She shared the announcement via social media.

"I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together," she wrote in the post.

"Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him," she said.