The country music legend Dolly Parton is currently in mourning after her beloved husband Carl Dean, who she was married to for nearly 60 years, died earlier this month. On Wednesday night, the country music world rallied behind Parton as the singer Reba McEntire honored her at the at the Opry 100 celebration.
McEntire Honors Parton
“Everybody here at the Opry and around the world wants to send you our thoughts and prayers,” McEntire, 69, said onstage.
“And you gotta know, we will always love you,” she added.
McEntire then teamed up with Carrie Underwood, Lady A and around 50 members of the Opry’s choir to perform a stirring rendition of Parton’s hit song “I Will Always Love You.” By the end of it, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
Carly Pearce Pays Tribute To Parton
The country music star Carly Pearce, 34, also got the chance to pay tribute to Parton at the Opry 100 when she performed her classic song “Jolene.”
“Dolly Parton is my hero, and it means so much to me that she invited me to join the Opry,” Pearce gushed. “Dolly, I just want you to know that my heart goes out to you and your family, and it is my great honor to sing my favorite Dolly song tonight.”
Parton, 79, didn’t attend the Opry 100, as she is still mourning Dean’s loss with her family. However, she did appear briefly in a pre-taped video message.
“Well hello, I am Dolly Parton and I am a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry,” Parton said. “And I am so sorry that I can’t be there with everybody in person, but of course you know my heart is with you and my spirit is with you.”
Dean Passes Away
Parton announced earlier this month that Dean died on March 3 at the age of 82. The couple had been married since 1966, and they never had children.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she said hours after his passing. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Related: Dolly Parton Releases Emotional New Song To Honor Late Husband Carl Dean Days After His Death
Days later, Parton issued another statement thanking her fans and loved ones for their support.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. 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,” Parton said. “I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me.”
“He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you,” she continued. This was a clear reference to her 1973 hit song “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton and McEntire have been friends for decades. That’s why it came as a shock back in November when McEntire admitted that she had “never met” Dean.
“Have you met Carl?” McEntire was asked by the Bravo host Andy Cohen.
“No. Have you?” replied McEntire.
Cohen was quick to say that he hadn’t met Dean either. However, it’s not as surprising as it might seem that McEntire never met Dean despite her friendship with Parton. Indeed, Dean always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. He never attended major entertainment events with Parton, instead opting to spend the bulk of his time on their Tennessee farm.
Full Story: Reba McEntire Admits She’s Never Met Her Close Friend Dolly Parton’s Reclusive Husband
This has clearly been an extremely difficult month for Parton. God bless McEntire and the rest of the Grand Ole Opry for taking the time to try and lift her spirits a bit!
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