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‘We Will Always Love You’-Reba McEntire’s Powerful Words for Dolly Parton Bring the Opry to Tears!

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Introduction

NASHVILLE—In a touching moment during NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration, Reba McEntire delivered a heartfelt message to Dolly Parton, whose husband, Carl Dean, passed away earlier this month. The tribute, part of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary special, left the audience visibly moved.

“It’s been a great night of celebration, but of course, it’s just not the same without you,” McEntire said of Parton, who was not in attendance. Turning her words into a poignant display of support, she continued, “Dolly, 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.”

McEntire’s tribute set the tone for an emotional finale, where she was joined by Carrie Underwood, Lady A, and other artists in a stirring rendition of Parton’s iconic song, “I Will Always Love You.” The moment brought many in the audience to tears and served as a powerful reminder of Parton’s impact on the world of country music.

Ahead of the performance, Parton shared a video message expressing her gratitude and sorrow over missing the event. “I’m so sorry that I can’t be there with everybody in person,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. “But, of course, you know my heart is with you and my spirit is with you.”

The tribute comes just weeks after Parton revealed the passing of her husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, on March 3. In a message shared on Instagram, Parton wrote, “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.” Days later, she expressed gratitude for the support she had received, saying, “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.”

Despite her grief, Parton has continued to honor her husband’s memory through her music and public appearances. On March 6, she released a new song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” and made her first public appearance since his passing at Dollywood’s opening day for season passholders. Speaking to the crowd, she took a moment to thank everyone for their love and support, saying, “Before I start all that, I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for all the flowers and the cards and the well wishes for the loss of Carl.”

As the Opry 100 celebration drew to a close, McEntire’s moving words and the emotional chorus of “I Will Always Love You” underscored the enduring bond between Parton and the country music community. Through their music and heartfelt tributes, Parton’s peers showed her that, even in her absence, she is never far from their hearts.

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