Dolly Parton surprises fan after death of husband

Recently, it was revealed that country singer Dolly Parton’s husband had passed away.

Dolly has been pretty silent since, but she surprised her fans this weekend with a public appearance.

He’s Gone

Throughout Dolly’s career, her husband. Carl Dean, managed to stay in the shadows, a rarity for someone married to a mega-star like Dolly.

While we rarely saw the man in public, and surely avoided the tabloids at all costs, he was the inspiration behind plenty of Dolly’s music, including her hit, “Jolene.”

When Dolly was asked about her husband and his reserved nature, she stated, “It’s just not who he is. He’s like, a quiet, reserved person and he figured if he ever got out there in that, he’d never get a minute’s peace, and he’s right about that.”

When Dean passed recently at the age of 82, fans were stunned, and Dolly was obviously heartbroken.

Didn’t Really Like Her Music

Dolly recently opened up about her husband, noting that he was not really a fan of her music, but that did not stop the bond between the couple.

She paid tribute to him on her social media page, posting, "I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old.

"We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."

Dolly had previously revealed an interesting fact about her husband, stating, "He loves me good and all, but I’m really not his favorite singer."

Dolly’s Back

After her husband died on March 3, Dolly pulled back a bit. And while she has posted on social media, she has not made any public appearances, a drought that ended this weekend.

On Friday, Dolly surprised everyone by showing up at Dollywood's Celebrity Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Parton told guests at the show, "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 also posted her thanks to everyone on her social media, page, writing, "This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. 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."