# Dolly Parton makes surprise appearance just weeks after husband's devastating death | Fox News

## Dolly Parton

### Dolly Parton made her first public appearance after losing her husband of 59 years earlier this month.

Carl Dean died on March 3. Despite her loss, the country music legend surprised guests at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in honor of the theme park's 40th anniversary.

**Dolly Parton** on Friday made her first public appearance after losing her husband of 59 years earlier this month.

Carl Dean died on March 3. Despite her loss, the country music legend surprised guests at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in honor of the theme park's 40th anniversary.



Dolly Parton told guests at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that she "will always love" and miss her husband, "but I wanted you to know that I will always love you." (Dolly Parton Instagram/Getty)

The country star announced her 82-year-old husband had died in Nashville on Instagram.

**Dolly Parton's husband** served as inspiration for one of the country music star's biggest hits. Dean caught the eye of a bank teller in the 1970s, leading Parton to write "Jolene." The tune begs another woman not to take her man and is really "an innocent" song, according to the country crooner.



Dolly Parton's 1970s hit "Jolene" was inspired by her late husband, Carl Dean. (Getty Images)

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Parton first met Dean at a laundromat when she was 18 and he was 21. They married in 1966. He was rarely seen by Parton's side but always played a strong supporting role in her life.

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Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family in attendance.

Parton has since shared a throwback photo of herself on a Ferris wheel. "Hey @dollywood! Here’s to 40 years together," she wrote, including a red heart emoji. "Dollywood officially opened today for the 2025 season!"



Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married for nearly 60 years. (Dolly Parton Instagram)

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Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
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