Dolly Parton will not attend her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry due to ongoing health issues.
The country music singer admitted in a video posted to the venue’s Instagram on Wednesday that she had to decline to participate in the celebration.
“Hello, Grand Ole Opry family,” Parton began. “I just wanted to say how much it means to me that you all come together again this year to celebrate my important birthday with my songs.”
Parton said she had a great time at the famous country music establishment in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Some of my favorite memories have happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry,” she said, adding, “I wish I could have been there in person, but I definitely send all my love to you all.”
She concluded her message by telling her fans, “I hope you have the best night ever.”
The event will be held on January 17, two days before her 80th birthday.
Parton had to take time off from several jobs due to health issues.
Four months ago, Parton announced that she would have to postpone her stay in Las Vegas after learning that some procedures needed to be done.
“We want to let our fans and the public hear directly that, unfortunately, we have to postpone our upcoming concert in Las Vegas,” she said on Instagram in September 2025.
“As many of you know, I’ve been having some health issues and doctors have told me I’ll need some surgeries,” she continued, joking that this wasn’t her “usual plastic surgeon appointment.”
Parton said fans can’t rehearse and put together a show “as they deserve.”
“I can work on all my projects from here in Nashville, but I just need some time to prepare for the show,” she said.
The “9 to 5” singer said he’s not ready to retire from showbiz just yet.
“God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet, but I believe He is telling us to slow down now so that we can be ready for even greater adventures with you,” she said.
A few days later, Parton revealed that she had to miss a Dollywood appearance due to kidney stones. However, she assured fans that she was “okay.”
Last November, Parton shared an emotional message to fans on Thanksgiving.
“I’m so grateful for all of you and the memories we’ve shared over the years,” she said in the video. “Happy Thanksgiving everyone. And just know that I love you forever and always.”
That same month, Parton said in an interview that she had no plans to slow down.
“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what?” she told People magazine at the time. “Look at what I’ve done in 80 years. It feels like we’re just getting started.
Dolly’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus also assured the nation that the “Jolene” artist’s momentum is “not slowing down any time soon.”
“She’s always going to keep the show going,” Cyrus told Entertainment Tonight last month. “The show must go on. She’s just excited to get back to work.”
In March 2025, Dolly’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at the age of 82.
