Dolly Parton in Awe of Fans at Site of Her Hallmark Movie: ‘How Would I Not Feel Loved?’ (VIDEO)

Country music legend Dolly Parton was showered with love by fans during her surprise appearance on March 14, 2025, to honor the 40th annual opening day of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The star’s eponymous theme park, featured in Hallmark Channel’s 2019 movie “Christmas in Dollywood,” was the ideal place for Parton to make her first public appearance since losing her husband of nearly 60 years nearly two weeks prior.

Before being surrounded by adoring fans as she rode a float in the opening day parade, Parton spoke to an audience of season passholders and reporters, thanking them for their kindness since Carl Dean’s death on March 3 at age 82.

Fans Shouted Out Words of Support at Dolly Parton Returned to the Stage for the 1st Time Since Carl Dean’s Death

In video of the Dollywood opening ceremony captured by FOX8 WGHP, Parton appeared onstage to thank fans. She acknowledged not only her own loss, but the heartache many in the area have gone through after storms caused flash flooding in July 2024.

“I just want all of y’all to know how much I appreciate you,” she said, “for everything that has happened to us in the last several years.”

“Before I start all that,” Parton continued, “I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all the flowers and cards and well-wishes.”

Supporters in the audience began to yell out their support for her as she emotionally said of her husband, who died on March 3 at age 82, “You know that I loved him and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working so, anyway, I just wanted you to know that of course, I will always love him and I’ll miss him. But I want you to know that I’ll always love you.”

Parton then shifted into celebration mode and exclaimed, “Can you believe it’s been 40 years!?” She also noted she’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Imagination Library, which provides books to kids in need across the United States.

Dolly Parton Feels the Love During Dollywood Parade

Fans and stars have showered Parton with sympathy and good wishes since Dean’s death, including a bevy of Hallmark actors who know and love the songstress.

Parton, who appeared with Danica McKellar and Niall Matter in her Hallmark movie at Dollywood, revealed how overwhelmed she was by the fans’ response to seeing her in the parade. When a reporter from local station WJHL caught up with Parton along the route, she said, “Hi Dolly, I hope you feel so loved, valued and adored.”

Parton, wearing sunglasses, raised her hands in the air and exclaimed, “How would I not feel loved with that crowd? It’s great!”

Of the 40th anniversary, Parton added, “It’s a wonderful thing and I love these people, and they’re acting like they love me. I want to say thank you, thank you!”