The private country music legend celebrated the life of her late husband Carl Dean during a sneak peek of Dollywood's 40th anniversary in Tennessee.

Dolly Parton made her return to the public eye this week, and honored her late husband Carl Dean during her first appearance since his passing. The legendary country singer, 79, surprised fans at the 40th opening ceremony of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,

Dolly Parton has made her first public appearance since her husband, Carl Dean, died at the age of 82. The country icon turned up in person at the 2025 opening of Dollywood on Friday (March 14), putting aside her personal troubles to smile and wave at fans who had traveled from all over the country to be there.

Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since the death of her husband Carl Dean - the country music icon shared an emotional message with fans during the appearance