Even as an incredibly public figure, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean managed to keep much of their 60-year marriage to themselves. The famously private Dean often declined interviews and dodged photo ops. Still, the “Queen of Country” gave us plenty of glimpses into their inner life with songs like “Forever Love” and “From Here to the Moon and Back.”
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Sadly, Dean died March 3 at the age of 82. Having spent nearly six decades of her life with this man, Dolly has understandably taken a step back from the public eye. On Friday (March 14), she surprised fans gathered at Dollywood to celebrate the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee resort’s 40th operating season. The performance marked her first public appearance in 11 days.
Dolly Parton Celebrates 40th Dollywood Season
Ahead of Dollywood’s 40th operating season, the theme park invited season pass holders for a sneak peek Friday (March 14.) Fans were shocked and delighted when Dolly Parton herself took the stage at about 11 a.m. Central.
First, the “Jolene” singer, 79, thanked fans for their support in the wake of her devastating loss. “He would expect me to be workin’ today, so I expect to be workin’,” she said of her late husband.
The former Entertainer of the Year added, “Of course, I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.”
After answering a few questions about what’s new in Dollywood, Parton capped off the event with her 2012 song “Celebrate the Dreamer in You.”
What Has Dolly Said About Her Husband’s Passing?
After announcing Carl Dean’s death on social media, Dolly Parton followed up with “a love note to family, friends, and fans.”
“He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that,” she wrote. “I will always love you.”
[RELATED: The Final Promise Dolly Parton Made to Her Husband on His Death Bed]
On March 7, four days after Dean’s death, Dolly released a new song titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” which she dedicated to her husband.
“I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” wrote the 11-time Grammy winner. “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.”
Featured image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM
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