Dolly Parton has shared an emotional statement with her fans – as she revealed she ‘has not stopped crying’ since watching a star-studded tribute to her late husband Carl
Dolly Parton has shared an emotional statement via Instagram, reacting to a tribute to star studded tribute to her late husband Carl Thomas Dean.
Earlier this week, at the Opry 100: A Live Celebration show, the Opry’s choir alongside stars including Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire performed a rendition of Dolly Parton’s 1974 hit I Will Always Love You. The stars announced they were sending Dolly their ‘thoughts and prayers’ before concluding: “And you gotta know, we will always love you.”
The sweet gesture didn’t go amiss from Dolly, who took to her Instagram stories to reveal she hadn’t stopped crying since. Posting to her 7.5 million followers, the 79-year-old penned: “I have not stopped crying over the beautiful tribute of ‘I Will Always Love You’ on the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry show.
“All those beautiful people with all their beautiful voices singing my song as a tribute to my husband Carl… the emotion was beyond words,” she continued. “I have cried enough to wash a great deal of the pain away so thanks to all of you beautiful people that helped make that possible. I also will always love you – Dolly.”
Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, passed away on March 3, 2025 at the age of 82 after nearly 60 years of marriage.
At the time, a statement released on behalf of the superstar to announce the tragic death of her beloved husband said: “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away on March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was 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 has asked for privacy during this difficult time.”
The couple had been married since 1966, after first getting together two years prior. In 2016, the pair renewed their vows to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.
Shortly after Carl’s death, Dolly gave an update into how she was coping, saying she was “doing better than I thought I would.” Speaking to Knox News, she continued: “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.”
The Jolene singer also emotionally revealed that Carl had “suffered a great deal” towards the end of his life. “I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that don’t keep me from missing him and loving him… It’s a hole in my heart, you know, but we’ll fill that up with good stuff and he’ll still always be with me,” she said.
Later thanking fans for their kind messages, Dolly shared: “Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers that you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl.
“I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
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