The private country music legend celebrated the life of her late husband Carl Dean during a sneak peek of Dollywood's 40th anniversary in Tennessee.

To mourn the death of Dean, Parton stepped away from the public eye. Yesterday (March 14), the multiple CMA and Grammy Award-winner surprised supporters with her first appearance since Dean’s passing during the 40th season celebration for Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since the death of her husband Carl Dean - the country music icon shared an emotional message with fans during the appearance