Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on March 14, 2025, 9:36 PM

Dolly Parton, that bright star, showed up at Dollywood’s big 40 party! It was her first time out since her husband, Carl Dean, passed away. This event proved how strong she is. It also showed how much she loves making folks happy.

The air was thick with feelings. People remembered Carl Dean but were excited about Dollywood turning 40. Seeing Dolly back at the park, which she helped build, was truly inspiring.

You could feel the emotions swirling. There was sadness for Carl. But also, excitement for the park's big day. It was a mix of tears and cheers, for sure.

Dolly's appearance meant a lot. Her fans cheered her. She’s a total legend, so seeing her shine was wonderful. She's an icon.

At the event, her first public appearance since Carl's death, Dolly donned a tasseled pink dress and her signature blonde hair and performed music for the audience in attendance. She also shared her gratitude for their support of her dreams.

“Thank you to our guests and the community for the support they’ve given to my Dollywood for 40 years,” she said at the event, per a March 14 statement from the organization. “It’s hard to believe it has been that long, but it never would have lasted if it hadn’t been for you, our guests.”

She added, “It doesn’t matter what your dream is—even if it’s opening a theme park with your name on it—follow those dreams and never give up!” 

While Dolly shared her gratitude to her supporters in person, she had also extended her thanks to fans on social media who sent her well wishes following the news of Carl’s death.

Dollywood has a cool history. It's made a big impact on the area. It has also brought lots of tourists to Tennessee. Dollywood started small. Now, it's a huge deal! It started as a little park. And it grew into something amazing.

“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,” she wrote in a March 6 Instagram post. “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that.”

The 79-year-old added a personal message to her husband of nearly 60 years, which fittingly read, “I will always love you.” 

Dolly also honored her love story with Carl who famously avoided the spotlight after not enjoying a 1967 event he attended with his wife by releasing a song dedicated to him called “If You Hadn’t Been There” days after his passing.

Dollywood has had some great moments. New rides opened. They won awards. The park just got better and better. Dolly and Carl had a special kind of love. It stayed private. Yet it lasted forever.

“Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end,” she wrote on Instagram March 7. “They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”

In the heartbreaking and touching tribute, Dolly sings, “I wouldn’t be here, if you hadn’t been there Holding my hand, showing you care, you made me dream more than I dared. And I wouldn’t be here If you hadn’t been there.”

Dolly's famous. Carl wasn't. They kept their life quiet. They weren't into the spotlight. Carl shaped Dolly. He supported her dreams. Stories about him show what a great guy he was.

Folks are honoring Carl. Details about memorials are coming soon. He won't be forgotten. Dolly does so much good. She helps kids read. She's a real role model.

The Imagination Library rocks! It gives books to kids. Over 200 million books have been given away globally since the program’s inception in 1995. That's amazing.

Dolly gives back in many ways. She cares about people. She wants to make the world a better place. Dolly's a music icon. She's a fashion queen. She inspires everyone. Her influence is wide.

The anniversary means parties! Live music play. Dolly's not done yet. Dollywood will keep growing. The future is bright! Dolly's got plans. She'll keep singing. She'll keep acting. Get ready for more Dolly.

Dollywood keeps getting better. New stuff is coming. It's going to be awesome.

Dolly Parton at Dollywood's 40th was a big moment. It showed how strong she is. It honored her love story. Dollywood continues to be a place of joy. Dolly inspires us all.