Yahoo Lifestyle Dolly Parton Gets Emotional in First Appearance Since Husband's Death
Dolly Parton will always love her husband, Carl Dean.
Almost two weeks after Dean died, the country icon stepped out for her first public appearance on Friday, March 14, looking as bright and as dolled up as ever.
Though the reason for her outing is nothing less than something worth celebrating–to commemorate the 40th anniversary of her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.–Parton appeared rather emotional while onstage at Dollywood.
Speaking to a crowd of passholders and press, Parton kicked off the event by welcoming everyone back to Dollywood and sharing a sweet tribute to her late husband.
Related: Dolly Parton's Husband Carl Dean Was Last Seen in Public More Than 5 Years Before His Death
"I [just want y'all] to know how much I appreciate you, or everything that has happened to us in the last several years," she told the crowd, alluding to the storms that wreaked havoc and flooded the area over the summer and her husband's recent death.
"Before I start all that," Parton, 79, continued, "I just want to take a minute to thank [and say] I love you, for all the flowers and cards and well-wishes," she said before her voice cracked at the mention of her husband.
"You know I loved him," she said. "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 will miss him."
"But I want you to know that I will always love you," she told fans, clearly overwhelmed with gratitude for the support she's received. "Can you believe that it's been 40 years?"
Dollywood's milestone narrowly trails an even bigger one the couple would have rang in next year: their 60th wedding anniversary.
In a newly-released song Parton shared last week, she sang about all the ways Dean supported her throughout their 59 years of marriage, praising him and cherishing their beloved, everlasting memories.
The new tune followed a "love note" the 10-time Grammy winner penned to fans, thanking them for how they've reacted during this difficult time for the star.
As Parade previously reported, Dean died on March 3 at the age of 82. A cause of death has not been provided.
Next: Dolly Parton Reveals Why This Brand New Dollywood Attraction Makes Her 'Emotional' (Exclusive)
