Dolly Parton once described her relationship with her husband as "open." She said she formed connections with other people.

Dolly Parton has made her first public appearance since the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Nearly two weeks after his death, Parton stepped out to attend an opening day event for Dollywood season passholders on March 14. The event was held in honor of the theme park’s 40th season celebration in Tennessee.

Dolly Parton and her late husband, Carl Dean, kept their life together as private as they possibly could, but a new report sheds some light on his final days — and a promise she made him on his deathbed.

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 had a private marriage with late husband Carl Thomas Dean, and not many details were shared about their relationship. After Carl died at the age of 82 in March 2025, fans are likely wondering if the couple ever welcomed kids together.

The moment was met with cheers from the audience, with fans shouting their love to the songstress. Parton performed her song "Celebrate The Dreamer In You" before participating in Dollywood's opening day parade, where she waved to the crowd from a carriage.

Dolly Parton has thanked fans for their support after the death of her husband, saying he is "in God's arms now and I am okay with that."

Dolly Parton visited her very own Tennessee mountain home on Friday. Following the death of her husband Carl Dean on March 3, the country icon made her first public appearance at Dollywood’s Celebrity Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Parton, 79, arrived at the theme park to help kick off the resort’s 40th operating season.

Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since confirming husband Carl Dean’s death earlier this month while celebrating the 40th season of her Dollywood theme park.

After thanking fans for their condolences, Parton noted, “I just want to say thank you and I love you for all the flowers, cards and well-wishes… He would want me to be working today. I expect to be working.

Dolly Parton is keeping the memory of her beloved late husband, Carl Dean, close to her heart following his passing on March 3. The iconic singer, who shared the news of his demise, has spoken about being "consoled by the afterlife" and even released a touching tribute song in his honor,