Heartbroken country music legend Dolly Parton is preparing to embark on a new tour just weeks after the death of her husband of 60 years.

The grieving singer, 79, told fans after a preview show: “I’ve been crying enough the last week or two. Carl would want me to be working today and I expect to be working. I’m at peace that he’s at peace. But that don’t keep me from missing him.”

Dolly revealed retired businessman Carl Dean “suffered a great deal” before dying from an undisclosed illness on March 3 aged 82, adding: “You know how much I loved him. I will always love him and I’ll miss him.”

The icon also thanked her fans for “all the flowers and cards and the well-wishes” and told the audience: “I just want all of you to know how much I appreciate you.”

She will be backed by local orchestras for her tour – Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony – which officially kicks off on
May 17 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.