Dolly Parton, 79, supported by fans as she makes surprise first appearance after death of beloved husband: ‘what a strong woman!’
Dolly Parton made her first public appearance on Friday, less than two weeks after the death of her husband Carl Dean.
The country music icon, 79, surprised fans at Dollywood’s 40th season opening ceremony in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Despite her recent loss, Parton put on a brave face as she addressed the crowd at the theme park’s preview event for season passholders.
She appeared in a sparkly, magenta dress, bringing her signature glamour to the emotional occasion.
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Parton began by thanking supporters for their flowers and cards during her time of mourning.
“You know how I loved him and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working,” she told the audience.
She added poignantly: “Of course I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.”
Her words drew emotional responses from the crowd, with some fans shouting back, “We love you, Dolly.”
Following her speech, Parton closed the event with a touching performance of Celebrate The Dreamer In You.
Fans rushed to social media to support the 79-year-old “American idol” after her touching return to the public eye.
“Bet the house on Dolly, she’ll always come through!” one celebrated on X.
Another agreed: “What a strong woman!”
“She’s a strong woman! She knows that the only thing that never dies is love.” a third glowed.
Carl Dean passed away on March 3 in Nashville at the age of 82 with Parton announcing his death on Instagram.
I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old. We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. 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.
‘If You… pic.twitter.com/1CFKX1rudB
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 7, 2025
The couple met in Nashville in 1964 and married two years later, sharing nearly 60 years together. Dean was known for being very private and rarely made public appearances.
Days after his death, Parton shared a heartfelt message on social media.
“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 wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
On March 7, Parton released a new song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There” dedicated to her late husband. The tribute featured a throwback photo of the couple early in their marriage as the cover art.
“Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end,” she said.
“They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”
She added: “He will always be the star of my life story.”