Country music fans hearts are with Dolly Parton right now. Just weeks after losing her husband of almost 60 years Carl Dean Dolly is being showered with love and support. Recently the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary with a star-studded tribute and some incredible artists stepped up to honor the Queen of Country including the amazing Carly Pearce .
Carly Pearce Shines as She Covers "Jolene" in Moving Opry Tribute to Dolly Parton
During the NBC and Peacock's Opry 100 special Carly Pearce took the stage to pay homage to Dolly with a performance of "Jolene". It was a powerful moment as Carly's voice filled the legendary venue bringing Dolly's iconic song to life. This performance was part of a bigger tribute to Dolly a tribute that was clearly full of emotion given what Dolly has been going through.
But Carly wasn't the only one showing Dolly love that night. Reba McEntire Carrie Underwood and Lady A joined forces for a truly special rendition of "I Will Always Love You". They even brought in Trisha Yearwood Vince Gill and the Opry choir making it a massive and unforgettable performance. Before they sang Reba McEntire shared a heartfelt message directly to Dolly letting her know everyone was thinking of her and sending prayers. Reba said "Everybody here at the Opry and around the world wants to send you our thoughts and prayers and you gotta know we will always love you." It was a really touching moment.
Dolly Parton Shares Glimpse of Strength Amidst Grief: "Doing Better Than I Thought"
Just before this amazing Opry tribute Dolly made her first public appearance since Carl Dean's passing at Dollywood's 40th season opening. She spoke with Knox News and shared how she was coping. And get this Dolly said "I'm doing better than I thought I would." Talk about resilience.
She acknowledged that after 60 years together life will be different. She said she's "going to have to relearn some of the things that we've done" but she will always keep Carl close to her heart. Dolly also expressed peace knowing Carl is "at peace" even though she misses and loves him deeply. She described losing him as "a hole in my heart" but said she plans to "fill that up with good stuff" and know he will always be with her.
Carl Dean Remembered: Dolly Shares Sweet Stories of Their Private Love and His Dollywood Visits
Dolly shared some really sweet and funny memories of Carl during her Dollywood appearance. Even though Carl famously stayed out of the spotlight Dolly mentioned he actually visited Dollywood often. But in true Carl fashion he did it his own way. He would buy his own ticket and wait in line like everyone else refusing any special treatment because he was "Dolly's husband." Dolly laughed recalling this saying "Everybody thinks that's the funniest thing.”
Apparently Carl enjoyed checking out the park food and even had some feedback for Dolly. She imitated his voice joking that he would say things like "You need more bathrooms" or point out crowded areas suggesting improvements. Dolly emphasized it wasn't criticism just Carl being observant and wanting to help. She said he would "notice things and he would say you might want to bring this to their attention." Dolly plans to honor Carl by doing what he did: "just walk around look at everything" and appreciate Dollywood just like he did.
A Love Story for the Ages: Dolly and Carl's 60-Year Journey
Dolly and Carl's love story is truly one for the books. They met way back in 1964 the very first day Dolly moved to Nashville. He was driving by when he called out to her with a classic line "You're gonna get sunburnt out here little lady!" And that was the start of it all. They eloped in 1966 keeping their marriage secret at first. Carl always preferred a private life away from the spotlight supporting Dolly from behind the scenes for decades.
Dolly has often shared little glimpses into their relationship. She wrote songs inspired by him cherished their simple date nights and always spoke of their deep connection and respect for each other. Even though Carl wasn't in the public eye his love and support were clearly the bedrock of Dolly's incredible life and career. Their 60-year marriage is a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Opry 100 Tribute Performers Honoring Dolly Parton:
- Carly Pearce
- Reba McEntire
- Carrie Underwood
- Lady A
- Trisha Yearwood
- Vince Gill
- Grand Ole Opry Choir (60 members)
Dolly Parton's Strength and Legacy Shine Through Amidst Loss
Even in the midst of grief Dolly Parton's strength spirit and legacy continue to shine brightly. Her return to Dollywood and the outpouring of love at the Opry 100 tribute show just how much she means to people and the country music community. Carly Pearce and so many other artists stepping up to honor her is a beautiful example of that. Dolly's resilience her music and her enduring love story with Carl Dean will continue to inspire us all for years to come.