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'.