United Kingdom, March 7 -- Dolly Parton "will always love" Carl Dean.

The 79-year-old singer has spoken out directly for the first time since her beloved husband - who she married in 1966 - passed away on Monday (03.03.25) at the age of 82, and in a "love note to family, friends and fans", she thanked them for their messages in the wake of her loss before ending with a poignant address direct to her spouse that referenced her classic song 'I Will Always Love You'.

She wrote on her social media accounts: "This is a love note to family, friends and fans. Thank you all for 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...