Under the Tennessee sky, where the Smoky Mountains cradle memories like an old love song, Dolly Parton stood before a crowd at Dollywood on Friday, her voice carrying the weight of love and loss. It was her first public appearance since the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean—a man who stayed out of the spotlight but lived forever in her heart. With emotion laced in every word, she looked out at the gathered fans and spoke the kind of truth only Dolly can: “I will always love him.”

Just days after her husband Carl Dean died, Dolly Parton made a public appearance to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of her Dollywood theme park.

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband of 58 years, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025. Dolly shared the news on social media, saying, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”

Two days later, Parton thanked fans for their love and support, and shared that she’s “okay” knowing that Carl is now “in God’s arms.”

Dolly followed the statement with news that she was releasing a new single in Carl’s honor. The song, titled “If You Hadn’t Been There,” was written to be included in the upcoming musical about Dolly’s life. It is a tribute to everyone who has been a part of her career and her success.

“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,” she wrote.

On Friday, March 14, Dolly made her first public appearance since Carl’s death.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of her Dollywood theme park, Dolly made a surprise appearance in front of a crowd of season pass holders. In a press release shared ahead of the event, it was unclear if Dolly would be in attendance as she has been in years past.

When she was announced and made her way on stage, the audience was clearly surprised that she was there. When she took the stage, she briefly addressed Carl’s passing.

“I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all of the flowers and cards and the well wishes for the loss of Carl. You know how I loved him. He would want me to be working today,” Dolly said. “I just wanted you to know, of course, that I will always love him. And I will always miss him.”

She referenced the loss of her husband later in the presentation when she and her co-host, Eugene Naughton, engaged in silly banter that him laughing. Naughton told the crowd, “She said she was in a mood today…”

Dolly replied, “I said I need to laugh. I need some fun so I’m probably gonna be stupid. I’ve been crying enough the last week or two….”

Dollywood will officially open for it’s 40th season on Saturday, March 15.

The upcoming season will feature the park’s famous festivals, such as the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, the Flower & Food Festival, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas.

A new show called “Play On” will open during the official anniversary weekend in May. Other new additions include a restaurant and the conversion of the Heartsong Theater into the Imagination Playhouse.