Dolly Parton made her first public appearance since her husband Carl Dean died on Monday, March 3, at 82 years old.

Local news outlet WSPA reported that Parton, 79, attended the preview for Dollywood season passholders ahead of opening for its 40th season in Tennessee. She began the Friday, March 14 event by thanking fans for their flowers and cards while she had been mourning Dean, her husband of almost 60 years.

“Of course I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you,” she told the audience, referring to her song “I Will Always Love You.”

Parton also spoke about the updates that had been made to the theme park and resorts while it was closed for maintenance.

Parton announced the death of Dean on March 3 on Instagram. “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He is survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” the post began.

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy,” she continued.

“The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”

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Parton and Dean met in Nashville in 1964 and tied the knot two years later. Dean was very private and made rare public appearances. Parton did give insight into their marriage on several occasions.

“They say that opposites attract, and it’s true,” Parton told PEOPLE in 2015. “We’re completely opposite, but that’s what makes it fun. I never know what he’s gonna say or do. He’s always surprising me.

“My husband is a good man, first of all,” she continued. “He’s a deep person, but he has a great and warped sense of humor. He makes me laugh and entertains me. He’s very secure within himself.”

Days after Dean’s death, Parton thanked her fans 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 wrote on Instagram on March 6.

“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.”

On March 7, she released a new song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” in memory of Dean. “Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end,” she said. “They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.”