Dollywood's 40th season is officially underway as of March 14. According to a release, the park's namesake and Dreamer-in-chief, Dolly Parton, welcomed guests on its opening day, marking her first public appearance since her husband,

After her husband's death, Dolly Parton’s involvement in opening day at Dollywood became less of a certainty. But guests could still get a surprise.

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.