Dolly Parton Makes her First Public Appearance at Dollywood

In an unexpected and heartwarming turn of events Friday, fans were graced with a special appearance from Dolly Parton.

Dollywood season pass holders were given a special treat as Parton, the park’s “Dreamer in Chief,” made her first public appearance since the death of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this month.

Dolly Parton Remembers Carl Dean at Season Opening

According to CBS local affiliate WSPA-TV, Parton, 79, greeted guests who were there to celebrate the opening of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season, which begins Saturday, telling her fans, “Of course, I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.”

Ahead of the park’s 40th season, Parton noted that more than 100 new projects were completed, including converting the Heart Song Theater into the Imagination Playhouse and the opening of a new restaurant in Wilderness Park.

Parton opened Dollywood in 1986 near her hometown in East Tennessee. According to her website, “she envisioned a place where the culture and people of the Smoky Mountains would be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone.”

Today, Dollywood — a place Parton refers to as “One little girl’s dream,” is Tennessee’s biggest ticketed attraction and the largest employer in Sevier County.

Dolly Parton’s Poignant Farewell to Husband of 58 Years

The Dollywood Foundation

After 58 years of marriage, Dean passed away at the age of 82 on March 3. The country music legend shared the sad news in a post to Instagram, writing, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together, words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Parton also wrote and dedicated a song to her late husband, posting it to YouTube, with lyrics that included, “You made me dream more than I dared. And I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t been there.”