Dolly Parton Shares She Won’t Be at Her 80th Birthday Opry Celebration: “I’ll Be Sending You All My Love”
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In an Instagram video posted Thursday, Jan. 8, the country icon reflected, “Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.”
Dolly Parton will sadly miss her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry.
On Thursday, Jan. 8, the country music icon shared a heartfelt video on the Opry’s Instagram, expressing her gratitude while revealing that she won’t be able to attend the event scheduled for Jan. 17. (Parton’s actual 80th birthday falls on Jan. 19.)
“Hello there, Grand Ole Opry family,” the 79-year-old began. “I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you’re all coming together this year to celebrate my big birthday with some of my songs.”
Reflecting on her long history with the venue, she added, “Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love, for sure.” Parton closed the message by encouraging fans to “have the best night ever.”
In the clip, the “Jolene” singer wore a white button-down top with yellow lace trim paired with matching jeans.
The Opry’s Instagram caption highlighted the event, noting that stars including Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, and songwriter Trannie Anderson will perform to celebrate Parton’s legacy. The post also promoted an “80 Years of Song” retail collection curated with Parton, available for pre-order.
The Opry clarified in the comments that Parton herself will not be present. Fans attending the celebration can expect a full lineup of performances, birthday cupcakes, a giant fan-signed birthday card, photo opportunities with a Dolly impersonator, themed drinks, and other tributes.
Parton’s absence comes months after she announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency from December 2025 to September 2026 due to a kidney stone-related infection. A source told PEOPLE in August 2025 that she was “getting better every day” and spending time at home with friends and family while preparing for the holidays, her favorite season.
Reflecting on turning 80, Parton told PEOPLE, “People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.” She added, “Unless my health gives way, which right now seems to be fine, I think there’s a lot to be said about age.”