Fans of country music icon Dolly Parton have expressed renewed concern for her wellbeing after she announced she will not be attending a special concert to mark her upcoming 80th birthday.
Birthday No-Show Follows Earlier Postponements
The singer, who was born on 19 January 1946, shared a video message with the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, where the celebratory event is due to take place. In the clip, Parton confirmed she would not be making an in-person appearance. This news comes just months after she was forced to postpone her highly-anticipated Las Vegas residency due to health issues requiring medical procedures.
In the video, posted by the famed live music broadcast channel, Parton addressed fans directly. "Well, hey there Grand Ole Opry family," she began, wearing a white shirt with yellow accents and jeans. "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 fondly recalled some of her favourite memories happening on the Opry stage but stated, "I wish I could be there in person, but I'll be sending you all my love, for sure."
Team Moves to Quell Health Worries
While supporters initially reacted with worry online, a spokesperson for the star was quick to clarify the situation. They explained that Parton was never intended to be at the event and had not been promoted as an attendee, meaning she is not pulling out of any planned appearance.
"She was never intending to be there and she was never promoted to be there, so she's not pulling out of anything. She was never going," the representative said.
History of Recent Health Challenges
The concern stems from a heartfelt announcement Parton made back in September 2024. At that time, she informed fans she needed to postpone her Las Vegas concerts on doctors' orders.
In a social media post, the 'Coat of Many Colours' singer revealed she was dealing with health challenges that necessitated a few procedures. She light-heartedly joked to her doctors that it "must be time for my 100,000 mile check-up, although it's the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon."
On a more serious note, she emphasised her desire to give fans the best show possible. "Given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see," she wrote. "You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you."
Importantly, Parton firmly dismissed any talk of retirement, stating, "And don't worry about me quittin' the business because God hasn't said anything about stopping yet." She added that she believed she was being told to slow down temporarily to prepare for future adventures with her audience.
The music legend ended her previous message by thanking her fans for their understanding and continued support.
