Dolly Parton is opening up about the death of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this month.

In an interview with Knox News published Monday, March 17 — just two weeks after Dean’s death — Parton, 79, revealed that her husband “suffered a great deal” before he passed away.

“I’m doing better than I thought I would. I’ve been with him 60 years. So I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close,” the “Jolene” singer said.

“I’m at peace that he’s at peace, but that don’t keep me from missing him and loving him,” Parton added.

Parton met Dean outside a Nashville laundromat in 1964. They got married two years later.

The songstress spoke to Knox News in a new interview to celebrate the 40th season of her theme park, Dollywood.

Parton shared how Dean often visited Dollywood without her and always insisted on buying a ticket.

“He used to come to the park; he bought his own ticket — stood in line and got his ticket. He didn’t want somebody giving him a ticket ‘cause he was Dolly’s husband. Everybody thinks that’s the funniest thing,” Parton said.

Parton made her first public appearance since Dean’s death on Friday, March 14, to welcome season pass holders to Dollywood for its 40th season. Speaking to fans, Parton paid tribute to Dean.

“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 said.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images Dolly Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, was a very private person, but his superstar wife still celebrated him in her music — and occasionally ribbed him too. One of the country icon’s most famous songs, “Jolene,” was inspired by an incident where a bank teller developed feelings for Dean, who wed Parton […]

“I just want all of you to know how much I appreciate you for everything that’s happened to us in the last several years,” the singer continued. “I just want to take a minute to thank all of you for all the flowers and cards, and the well-wishes, for the loss of Carl. You know how I loved him and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working.”

Parton noted in her speech that she had been feeling very emotional over the past two weeks.

“I need to laugh. I need some fun, so I’m probably gonna be stupid. I’ve been crying enough the last week or two,” she said.

On Thursday, March 20, Parton returned to the red carpet for the Nashville premiere of her new symphonic orchestra concert tour, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony.