United Kingdom, March 14 -- Dolly Parton "will always love" Carl Dean.

The 79-year-old country music singer lost her husband, aged 82, on March 3, and Dolly paid tribute to Carl on Friday (14.03.25) at the preview for Dollywood season passholders ahead of opening for its 40th season in Tennessee.

The '9 to 5' hitmaker told the crowd: "Of course I will always love him, and I'll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you."

During her appearance, Dolly updated fans about the recent changes that have been made to Dollywood - the Dolly-themed amusement park - while it was closed for maintenance work.

Dolly has disappeared from the spotlight since announcing the passing of her husband on March 3.

But the award-winning s...