Dolly Parton is back in action! After the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this month, the Queen of Country decided that mourning in sequins is the way to go. And honestly, would we expect anything less?
On Friday (March 15), the 79-year-old national treasure made a surprise appearance at the 40th anniversary of Dollywood—because even grief takes a backseat when you have a theme park dedicated to your fabulousness. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was blessed with a little extra sparkle as Dolly, looking as radiant as ever, greeted fans who showed up to celebrate four decades of roller coasters, country music, and fried food.
During her appearance, Dolly took a moment to thank her adoring fans for their endless love, support, and, most importantly, the mountains of flowers and sympathy cards that have likely turned her house into a botanical garden.
“You know how much I loved him, and he would want me to be working today,” she told the crowd, basically confirming what we all already knew—Carl Dean was that husband who never wanted to leave the house, and even in spirit, he’d rather see Dolly out there dazzling than crying into a pint of ice cream.
But in classic Dolly fashion, she didn’t leave without giving fans a little extra heartwarming moment: “I just wanted you to know that, of course, I will always love him, and I’ll miss him,” she said before hitting everyone right in the emotions by adding, “but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.” Cue the entire audience melting into a puddle of love and rhinestones.
Dolly proving once again—she’s not just a country legend. She’s an unstoppable force of nature wrapped in a bedazzled jacket.