Dolly Parton celebrated the opening of Dollywood's 40th anniversary season, her first public appearance following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

Dolly Parton has made a surprise appearance at her Dollywood theme park to mark the beginning of celebrations for the park's 40th anniversary - and paying tribute to her late husband

Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since her longtime husband Carl Dean died. The country star attended a preview for Dollywood season passholders in Tennessee on Friday, March 14.

Dolly Parton’s first outing since the death of her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, was all about showing love to her fans. The 79-year-old attended the 40th anniversary celebration of her Tennessee theme park,

Dolly Parton announced that she was retiring from touring to spend more time at home with her husband, Carl Dean. “They were in love until the very end,” says a friend of the couple. “They gave each other exactly what the other needed.

The singer appeared Friday at her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, where she helped launch the resort's 40th season following Dean's death on March 3.

Dolly Parton is continuing to honor and remember her late husband, Carl Dean, after his death on March 3. The singer, who confirmed his passing, and later admitted she was "consoled by the afterlife" before releasing a new song dedicated to him,

Dolly Parton paid tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, in her first public appearance since his death at age 82 on March 3

The country super star has continuously thanked the public and her fans for their support following Dean’s death.

The renowned country singer-songwriter surprised fans Friday at the 40th opening ceremony of her Pigeon Forge, Tenn., theme park, Dollywood.