Dolly Parton will turn 80 on January 19. This is a milestone that fans are excited to celebrate with her, and because she is an icon in country music, there is also a birthday celebration in her honor at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on January 17.
It will be a brilliant way to reflect on all Parton has achieved, but she won’t be there!
Dolly Parton Is Missing Out on Her Birthday
On the official Grand Ole Opry Instagram page, Parton shared a video message explaining why she would not be attending an event dedicated to her. “Well, hey there Grand Ole Opry family,” Parton said. “I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you’re all coming together again this year to celebrate my big ol’ birthday with some of my songs.”
She continued, “Some of my favorite memories happened right here onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, and I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love, for sure. So, you have the best night ever.”
Fans reacted to the news with loving messages but also concern for her health. “I can’t go to Dolly’s Birthday party, but I will always have her in my thoughts and prayers as she fights to regain her health. Love to the Moon,” a fan wrote. “I would not want to go if I couldn’t see the legend at her own birthday celebration,” another person shared.
“Should be cancelled until she can attend,” another person shared.
Other reactions include, “Aww. So sweet! Thank you for honoring her! Happy early Birthday, Dolly!,” “God bless her and keep her safe. She’s such a treasure,” and “Hope your well. Sending prayers.”
Grand Ole Opry’s Honor for Dolly Parton
It is not immediately clear why Parton will not be attending, but the Grand Ole Opry has encouraged fans to still attend.
“While Dolly is unable to attend in person, we’re looking forward to honoring her through song and fun all day long,” a comment reads in the comment section of the post. They also listed some of the things that will be happening during the event, including “Photo opps with a Dolly impersonator on the Opry plaza,” “Specialty Dolly-themed drinks,” and “Dolly Parton tributes throughout the Opry show.”
Being part of the Opry is important to Parton. On January 7, she shared more about her induction in a post on Instagram. “In January of 1969, I was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry,” she wrote. “I had always wanted to be a member. Back home and in country music, the epitome of success was to be on the Grand Ole Opry. To become a member was a big deal.”
She continued, “I thought back to how I’d perform on my porch at my Tennessee mountain home, imagining that one day I was going to be on the Grand Ole Opry. By becoming an official member, I would forever be associated with the Opry. It was a dream come true. And it still is.”
We love you Dolly