Dolly Parton honors late husband Carl Dean at Dollywood’s 40th anniversary, says 'I will always love him'

Dolly Parton returned to the public stage on March 14, 2025. It is her first appearance since the passing of her husband, Carl Dean.

The beloved singer surprised attendees at the opening of Dollywood's 40th season in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains. The ceremony eventually became a tribute to Dolly Parton's late husband, Carl Dean. He passed away on March 3, 2025.

Per Knox News, addressing the audience at the event, the singer stated:

"I will always love him, and I miss him. I need to laugh. I need some fun, so I am probably gonna be stupid. I have been crying enough the last week or two. I am doing better than I thought I would. I have been with him 60 years. So, I am going to have to relearn some of the things that we've done. But I will keep him always close."

She continued:

"I am at peace that he's at peace, but that don't keep me from missing him and loving him. It is a hole in my heart, you know, but we'll fill that up with good stuff and he'll still always be with me."

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Dolly Parton and Carl Dean's love story began in 1964

They met outside a laundromat on Dolly Parton's first day in Nashville. Two years later, they married in a private ceremony.

Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean, ran his own business and rarely made public appearances, reports suggest. He reportedly never accompanied his wife to red-carpet events.

However, Carl Dean had a connection with Dollywood. According to Dolly Parton, he often visited the theme park. She shared with Knox News,

"He used to come to the park; he bought his own ticket – stood in line and got his ticket. He didn't want somebody giving him a ticket 'cause he was Dolly's husband. Everybody thinks that's the funniest thing."

At the Dollywood event, Dolly performed an acoustic rendition of Celebrate the Dreamer in You. The song was originally featured at the park's 20th-anniversary celebration. She also referenced her beloved song I Will Always Love You. Per USA Today, she told the crowd,

"You know how I loved him, and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working."

Dolly Parton has also released a new song, If You Hadn’t Been There, dedicated to Dean on March 7, 2025. She took to her Instagram to share:

"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. ‘If You Hadn’t Been There’"

Dolly Parton reportedly hinted that she may follow in her husband's footsteps by making quiet, unannounced visits to Dollywood.

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