Dolly Parton has sparked concern among fans after she did not attend her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The country music legend appeared in a video message instead, explaining she could not be there in person.
In the clip, Parton wore a white shirt with yellow accents and jeans, addressing fans: “I wish I could be there in person, but I’ll be sending you all my love, for sure.” The video was shared by the Grand Ole Opry on social media.
A spokesperson later clarified that Parton had never planned to attend the event. “She was never intending to be there and she was never promoted to be there, so she’s not pulling out of anything,” they said.
The announcement follows Parton’s decision in September 2024 to postpone her Las Vegas residency due to health issues. At the time, she said doctors had told her she needed medical procedures, joking it was “time for my 100,000 mile check-up”.
She reassured fans she had no plans to retire: “God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures.”
