Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since her husband Carl Dean's death, helping to launch the 40th season of her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood: 'I will always love him.'

Legendary singer Dolly Parton celebrated the 40th anniversary of her theme park, Dollywood, amongst a crowd of fans Friday in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Parton’s public appearance at the event marks her first since the death of her husband,

Dolly Parton has spoken out after the death of her late husband, Carl Dean, this week.

Dolly Parton issued a new, emotional statement Thursday just days after the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

Since his passing, Parton has taken time to grieve with her family privately. On Thursday, she released the following statement: "This is a love note to family, friends and fans. 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.

Dolly Parton's husband of 58 years — died March 3 in Nashville at 82 years old. The country legend paid tribute to him on March 6, saying, "he's in God's arms now."

Dolly Parton made her first public appearance on Friday following her husband's death on March 3. The "Jolene" singer-songwriter announced Carl Dean's death on Instagram.

Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since she announced her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, died in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 82. Parton, 79, appeared at an event on Friday (March 14) to mark Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season.

Country sweetheart Dolly Parton, 79, has been dealing with the sad passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died on Monday, March 3. He was 82 years old. Now, Parton has made her first public appearance since Dean's death.