Dolly Parton Reflects on Late Husband Carl Dean at Dollywood Opening

Dolly Parton, reflecting on the recent passing of her husband Carl Dean, shared her thoughts during a public appearance at Dollywood, marking her first since his death on March 3 at the age of 82. Parton expressed that while she is coping better than expected, she feels a profound loss, describing it as 'a hole in my heart' but remains committed to cherishing their memories. She recalled how Dean preferred to visit Dollywood alone, often buying his own ticket, as he shunned the spotlight and wanted to maintain his privacy despite being married to a celebrity. During a tribute performance of her iconic song 'I Will Always Love You' at a recent Opry event, Parton expressed deep gratitude for the emotional support she received from friends and fans. She emphasized the importance of laughter and positivity in her healing process, stating, 'I need to laugh. I need some fun.' Ultimately, Parton finds comfort in the belief that Dean is now at peace, saying, 'I’m at peace that he’s at peace.'