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Introduction
On Friday, March 14, Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since the passing of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, in a touching and unexpected moment at Dollywood. The occasion marked the 40th anniversary of her renowned theme park, and fans were thrilled to see Dolly take the stage, despite uncertainties about her presence.
As Dolly stepped onto the stage to a crowd of season pass holders, the atmosphere was filled with emotion. It was a surprise to many in the audience, as a press release ahead of the event had kept her attendance under wraps. In a brief but poignant statement, Dolly addressed the loss of Carl with grace and gratitude.
“I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all of the flowers and cards and the well wishes for the loss of Carl,” Dolly said, her voice filled with emotion. “You know how I loved him. He would want me to be working today. I just wanted you to know, of course, that I will always love him. And I will always miss him.”
Her words, filled with vulnerability, reflected the depth of her loss. The audience felt her pain, but her strength in continuing to celebrate Dollywood’s milestone was also apparent. Dolly later lightened the mood with her co-host, Eugene Naughton, engaging in some lighthearted banter that made the crowd laugh. Naughton joked, “She said she was in a mood today…” to which Dolly responded, “I said I need to laugh. I need some fun so I’m probably gonna be stupid. I’ve been crying enough the last week or two…”
Dolly’s first interview following Carl’s death with WVLT’s Kyle Grainger was equally heartfelt. During the conversation, she reflected on the immense outpouring of love she and Carl had received over the years, especially regarding their love story, which had captivated fans across the world.
“I had no idea that so many people were in love with our love, with our love story,” Dolly shared, her voice tinged with emotion. “It is a heartbreaker, no doubt. I’ll always deal with waves coming in and out, but at least I’ve had my work. Carl would expect that. That’s all I’ve ever done.”
As Dolly spoke about her legacy, she also offered a glimpse into the future of Dollywood. While she expressed a deep connection to the park, she acknowledged that it would continue to thrive long after her time. “We hope to keep growing every year. I think Dollywood will last long after I’m not here,” she said. “But I’ll always be here in spirit, and they’ll be reminded of me in so many things.”
Dollywood’s 40th season, which officially opened on March 14, promises to be a season filled with new experiences and beloved traditions. Guests will be able to enjoy signature festivals like the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, the Flower & Food Festival, the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas. Additionally, a brand-new show, Play On, will debut during the anniversary weekend in May. Exciting new additions include a restaurant and the transformation of the Heartsong Theater into the Imagination Playhouse, further solidifying Dollywood as a place of joy, creativity, and enduring love.
As Dolly Parton navigates the difficult journey of loss, her love for Carl remains unwavering, and her dedication to sharing joy with her fans through Dollywood continues to shine brightly. Fans around the world can take comfort in knowing that her spirit, her legacy, and the magic of Dollywood will live on for years to come.