Dolly Parton Honors Late Husband Carl Dean at Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, has publicly paid tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, for the first time since his passing on March 3rd. Dean, who remained largely out of the public eye throughout their remarkable 57-year marriage, was deeply cherished by Parton, and his loss has been profoundly felt.
Parton’s heartfelt remembrance took place during a sneak peek event marking the 40th anniversary of her renowned Pigeon Forge, Tennessee amusement park, Dollywood. Despite her recent bereavement, Parton chose to attend the celebration, explaining to those present that Dean would have wanted her to continue working. Video footage capturing her emotional words was obtained by Tennessee news station WATE.
"You know how I loved him," Parton shared, her voice filled with emotion. "And he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working." She continued, "I just wanted you to know that of course I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you." Her words, a poignant blend of personal grief and unwavering devotion to her fans, resonated deeply with those in attendance.
News of Carl Dean’s death at the age of 82 had previously prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Parton had initially addressed the loss in a heartfelt social media post, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received.
In a statement posted on Instagram on March 6th, Parton referred to her message as "a love note to family, friends, and fans." She wrote, "Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl. I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me." She concluded her message with a sense of acceptance and enduring love: "He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you."
Adding to the touching tributes, Parton released a new song dedicated to Dean on Friday, March 7th. The single, titled "If You Hadn’t Been There," serves as a beautiful testament to their enduring love story. The cover photo features a rare image of the couple, capturing a moment of intimacy and affection.
In an Instagram post announcing the song, Parton shared her deep connection with Dean, stating, "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."
The release of "If You Hadn’t Been There" has been met with widespread acclaim, with fans praising Parton’s heartfelt lyrics and the song’s touching portrayal of a lifelong romance. The song serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing those closest to us.
Dollywood, the amusement park that bears Parton’s name, officially opened for its 40th season on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the park’s history. To commemorate this special occasion, Dollywood has introduced a range of new attractions, including new food offerings, captivating shows, and other exciting surprises for guests to enjoy.
Parton expressed her excitement about the park’s anniversary, stating, "I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years. That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years."
The 40th anniversary celebration is a testament to Parton’s vision and dedication to creating a place where families can come together to experience joy and create lasting memories. Dollywood has become a beloved destination for visitors from around the world, and its continued success is a reflection of Parton’s unwavering commitment to providing quality entertainment and exceptional hospitality.
The park’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend thrilling rides and attractions with heartwarming shows and experiences that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Smoky Mountains region. Dollywood also provides numerous opportunities for local artisans and craftspeople to showcase their talents, further contributing to the park’s unique and authentic atmosphere.
Dolly Parton’s ability to navigate personal loss while continuing to fulfill her professional commitments is a testament to her strength and resilience. Her heartfelt tribute to Carl Dean at the Dollywood anniversary celebration served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing the relationships that shape our lives. Her dedication to her fans and her unwavering commitment to her work continue to inspire and uplift countless individuals around the world. The 40th anniversary of Dollywood is not only a celebration of the park’s success but also a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Dolly Parton, a true icon of American entertainment and a symbol of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level, whether through her music, her philanthropy, or her heartfelt words, is what truly sets her apart.
