Dolly Parton has paid tribute to her husband Carl Dean in her first public appearance since his death.
The 79-year-old country music singer’s husband died aged 82 on March 3.
She paid tribute to him during a surprise concert at the preview for Dollywood season passholders ahead of opening for its 40th season in Tennessee.
The 9 to 5 hitmaker told the crowd: ‘Of course I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you.’
Dolly wore a sparkly pink dress, and thanked her fans for their support before adding that Dean would have wanted to be there, according to local news reports.
The star has remained out of the spotlight since announcing the passing of her husband on March 3.
She said in a statement on Instagram at the time: ‘Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82.
‘He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie.
‘Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.
‘Thank you for your prayers and sympathy. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.’
Dean made a concerted effort to keep a low profile during his life, and Dolly previously admitted that they were ‘completely opposite’ characters.
The country music icon – who married Dean in 1966 – told People in 2015: ‘They say that opposites attract, and it’s true. We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun.
‘I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me.
‘My husband is a good man, first of all. He’s a deep person, but he has a great and warped sense of humour.
‘He makes me laugh and entertains me. He’s very secure within himself.’
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