Dolly Parton bows out of 80th birthday celebration amid health concerns

Dolly Parton won’t be attending her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry amid her continued health struggles.

The country music singer confirmed that she must bow out of the celebrations in a video posted to the venue’s Instagram Wednesday.

“Well hey there Grand Ole Opry family,” Parton started. “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.”

Parton expressed having fond moments with the famous country music establishment in Nashville, Tenn.

 “Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry,” she said, adding, “And I wish I could be there in person but I’ll be sending you all my love, for sure.”

She ended her message by telling her fans to “have the best night ever.”

The event is scheduled to take place on Jan. 17 — two days before her 80th birthday.

Parton has had to step back from several engagements due to her medical issues.

Four months ago, Parton announced that she had to postpone her Las Vegas residency after learning she needed to undergo a few procedures.

“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she said in a September 2025 Instagram.

“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” she continued, joking that it wasn’t her “usual trip to see my plastic surgeon.”

Parton said she wouldn’t be able to rehearse and put a show together that her fans “deserve.”

“While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready,” she said

The “9 to 5” singer noted that she isn’t ready to retire from showbiz just yet.

“God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so l can be ready for more big adventures with all of you,” she said.

Days later, Parton shared that she had to skip her Dollywood appearance due to a kidney stone. However, she assured her fans that she was “gonna be ok.”

Last November, Parton shared an emotional message to her fans on Thanksgiving.

“I am so thankful for all of you and for the memories that we’ve shared through the years,” she said in the video. “So Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and just know that I will always love you.”

That same month, Parton shared in an interview that she has no plans on slowing down.

“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what?” she told People at the time. “Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.

Dolly’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, also assured the public that the “Jolene” artist “isn’t slowing down any time soon.”

“She’s always gonna 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, died at the age of 82.