The moment was met with cheers from the audience, with fans shouting their love to the songstress. Parton performed her song "Celebrate The Dreamer In You" before participating in Dollywood's opening day parade, where she waved to the crowd from a carriage.

The singer appeared Friday at her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, where she helped launch the resort's 40th season following Dean's death on March 3.

Dolly Parton has made a surprise appearance at her Dollywood theme park to mark the beginning of celebrations for the park's 40th anniversary - and paying tribute to her late husband