Why is Dolly Parton skipping her 80th birthday concert? Country icon shares heartfelt update

Dolly Parton will be marking her 80th birthday from a distance.

Ahead of her Jan. 17 celebration concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the country legend shared she won't be attending in person, informing her fans via a video posted on the Opry's official Instagram page.

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"Well hey there Grand Ole Opry family. 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."

The Highlight of My Life songstress also sent love to her fans, wishing them to have the "best night ever."

"Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, and I wish I could be there in person but I'll be sending you all my love, for sure."

Dolly Parton didn't elaborate on her reason for sitting out her birthday celebration event, although it's notable that the Jolene icon has missed several of her shows and outings in recent years.

This includes her absence in receiving her honorary Oscar last November, which occurred at the time of her Las Vegas residency postponement due to health issues.

Dolly Parton on her health challenges: "I want to be at my best for you"

In September, Dolly Parton revealed she had kidney stones and an infection, which required her to receive medical treatment. The health scare also prompted her to cancel her December 2025 shows in Las Vegas, rescheduling them to September 2026, to focus on her well-being.

At the time, she penned a message to her fans via her Instagram account, letting them know her status.

“As many of you know, I've been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000 check-up, although it's not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"

The I Will Always Love You star added:

"In all seriousness, 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. You see good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you."

Amid her health challenges, her sister, Freida, asked for prayers for the music icon, writing on Facebook:

"Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me."

She accompanied her lengthy post with a photo of Dolly Parton, and continued:

"She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!"

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