Dolly Parton surprises fans at Dollywood to kick off the theme park's 40th season
Dolly Parton simply could not let her people down! Dollywood's Dreamer-in-Chief surprised fans enjoying opening day of the theme park's 40th season.
Parton popped on stage at the Celebrity Theater during the opening ceremony March 14 to welcome season passholders and kick off the monumental season, prompting the crowd to erupt in cheers and applause. It was Parton's first public appearance since losing her husband of nearly 60 years.
It has been tradition for Parton to attend the season opening, but her participation in this year's event was not guaranteed after her husband Carl Dean died March 3.
Parton's day at the park might not be over, either. When she's at Dollywood, she usually rides in the DeWitt Parade through the park before the end the day.
But even if the parade is canceled due to weather or because she's not up for more fanfare, her surprise morning appearance to celebrate Dollywood's 40th season will forever be a memorable moment for passholders and the park's history.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton celebrates Dollywood 40th season after Carl Dean death
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