Dolly Parton is sharing how moved she was by a tribute to her late husband Carl Dean as she continues to grieve his death.
Dolly Parton took to her Instagram Story on Friday, March 21, to share her emotions about a moving performance of her hit song “I Will Always Love You” at the Opry 100 Special. The performance, which featured Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, and the Opry’s choir, was dedicated to Parton and her late husband, Dean, who passed away in Nashville on March 3 at the age of 82.
The 79-year-old country icon expressed her deep gratitude for the heartfelt tribute in her Instagram post. She mentioned how touched she was by the performance and how it helped her release some of the pain she was feeling after Dean’s passing. Parton thanked everyone involved in the tribute for their beautiful voices and the love they showed for her and Carl.
Parton concluded: “I also will always love you.”
The country star announced the news of her husband’s death via an Instagram statement on March 3.
Reflecting on her long and loving relationship with Carl, Parton acknowledged the support and condolences she received from fans. She highlighted the special bond she shared with her husband of over 60 years and expressed her appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and sympathy during this difficult time.
As she continues to mourn his death, Parton gave an update about how she’s feeling to Knox News in an interview published on March 17.
“I’m doing better than I thought I would. I’ve been with him 60 years. So I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close,” she told the outlet.
“I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that don’t keep me from missing him and loving him,” Parton added.
While Dean shied away from the spotlight during their time together, Parton gushed about her husband in interviews and previously shared details about their relationship.
“We’re the perfect partners,” Parton exclusively told Us Weekly in January 2022. “We both have a great sense of humor. … We’re able to solve any problem and any situation, making a joke about it and not letting it get too heavy, but we respect each other and we like each other. We lucked up, let’s put it that way.”
She continued: “You know, most people can keep a marriage [going strong] if you make a little effort. Some people just get slouching and lazy and about stuff that ain’t important, like leaving the toilet seat up. And if that’s the worst thing you’ve to worry about, you’re already in trouble.”
