Dolly Parton just made her first public appearance since the passing of her husband Carl Dean. The longtime husband of country music icon died on Monday, March 3 at the age of 82.
According to reports from local outlet WSPA, Parton, 79, attended the preview for Dollywood season passholders ahead of opening for its 40th season in Tennessee. She opened the Friday, March 14 event by thanking fans for their flowers and cards while she had been mourning the death of Dean, her husband of almost 60 years.
"Of course I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you," she sweetly said to the audience, referencing her song, "I Will Always Love You." Parton also spoke about the updates that had been made to the theme park and resorts while it was closed for maintenance.
The "Jolene" singer announced the passing of Dean on March 3 on Instagram, emphasizing just how wonderful their journey together was.
"Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie," the post began. "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. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time."
Parton and Dean first met in Nashville in 1964, getting married two years later. Despite Dolly being one of the biggest stars in the world for decades now, Dean was very private and made rare public appearances. Still, Parton gave insight into their marriage on several occasions and didn't shy away from talking about their love.
“They say that opposites attract, and it’s true," Parton told PEOPLE in 2015. “We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun. I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me. My husband is a good man, first of all. He’s a deep person, but he has a great and warped sense of humor. He makes me laugh and entertains me. He’s very secure within himself."
On March 7, the country star released a new song titled, "If You Hadn't Been There," in memory of Dean.
"Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end," she said at the time. "They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him."