Moving to Nashville in pursuit of a dream, Dolly Parton likely never imagined she’d also find love on the first day. At the laundromat, she crossed paths with “a good-lookin’ guy” in a Chevrolet and the rest is history. Dolly and her husband, Carl Dean, shared nearly six decades together. As she wove her story into the fabric of country music, he was by her side until his death on March 3. And while the loss is no doubt still fresh, Dolly recently opened up on what’s helping ease her pain.
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Watch This Heartfelt ‘Opry 100’ Tribute to Dolly Parton
Earlier this week, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated 100 years of country music—and you try doing that without Dolly Parton. While the “Queen of Country” did not attend the March 19 ceremony, her presence loomed large over the event. First, Carly Pearce delivered a sultry rendition of the 9 to 5 star’s hit “Jolene.”
Later, Reba McEntire addressed her longtime friend from the stage. “It’s been a great night of celebration, but of course, it’s just not the same without you,” said the “I Can’t” singer, 69. “Dolly, everybody here at the Opry and around the world wants to send you our thoughts and prayers. And you got to know, we will always love you.”
With that, Reba joined Lady A and Carrie Underwood in leading an all-star choir as they sang another timeless Dolly classic, “I Will Always Love You.”
“Beyond Words”
Taking to her Instagram Stories Friday (March 21), Dolly Parton, 79, confessed that she had “not stopped crying” over the gorgeous tribute to her beloved husband.
“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 wrote. “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”
