Dolly Parton has missed a special concert held in honour of her 80th birthday at the Grand Ole Opry, as she continues to face health struggles. The country music legend turned 80 on 19 January but did not attend the celebration, instead sharing a video message thanking fans for their support.
Earlier this month, fans grew concerned when it was announced that Parton would not be present at the birthday concert. This followed the cancellation of a planned trip to her Dollywood theme park in September, after doctors advised her to rest. A spokesperson later clarified that Parton had never been scheduled to attend the Opry event, saying: “She was never intending to be there and she was never promoted to be there.”
Parton has previously spoken openly about her health battles. In her 2017 memoir, she revealed that she was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1984 after collapsing during a concert. The condition led to a partial hysterectomy. She described going through a “dark time” and developing an eating disorder, writing: “Overeating is as much a sickness as drugs or alcohol.”
Despite missing the live event, Parton expressed her gratitude in a video message. “I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love,” she said. The singer’s health challenges have included stomach problems and female issues, which she said left her feeling like “a pile of personal and emotional problems”.
