Dolly Parton makes surprise first appearance since ‘beloved’ husband Carl Dean’s death

Dolly Parton gave an emotional speech during her first public appearance since the death of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this month.

The renowned country singer-songwriter surprised fans Friday at the 40th opening ceremony of her Pigeon Forge, Tenn., theme park, Dollywood.

According to Parade magazine, Parton, 79, began by thanking the crowd for all the flowers, cards and well-wishes she’s received over the last two weeks.

Dolly Parton, pictured here in January 2025 made her first public appearance since her husband Carl Dean’s passing on Friday. Getty Images Parton was married to Carl Dean for 60 years. dollyparton/Instagram Dollywood ‘s first season was in 1986, 20 years after Parton and Dean married. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

“You know how I loved him and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working,” she told guests of her decision to attend the ceremony.

She continued, “I just wanted you to know that of course I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.”

During the emotional moment, some fans in the crowd cheered, “We love you, Dolly.”

During her speech, the “Jolene” singer thanked fans for their condolences. Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images Fans in the crowd cheered for Parton as she expressed that Dean would “want” her to keep working. Getty Images Parton’s appearance at the Dollywood season opening celebration came 11 days after her husband’s death. Getty Images She also participated in the opening day parade at the Pigeon Forge, Tenn., theme park. Getty Images

The “Jolene” singer ended her speech by singing a song called “Celebrate The Dreamer In You,” according to News Channel 11.

She then participated in the opening day parade in which she waved to a massive crowd of adoring fans from a carriage.

“How would I not feel loved with that crowd?” she told the local news outlet.

Parton’s appearance at Dollywood comes just 11 days after her Dean passed away at age 82. The two were married for 60 years, and famously kept their relationship private.

Parton said she and Dean first met outside a laundromat in Nashville in 1964. dollyparton/Instagram Dean, who was notoriously private, ran an asphalt road-paving business in Nashville. dollyparton/Instagram Parton released “If You Hadn’t Been There,” a song dedicated to Dean, last week. dollyparton/Instagram

Last week, Parton released a song commemorating her late husband titled “If You Hadn’t Been There.”

She posted a picture of the song’s cover, which features a throwback photo of her and Dean accompanied by their signatures, on Instagram.

“We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end,” Parton wrote. “They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him.”