Dolly Parton just broke fans’ hearts with one short message: she won’t be at her own 80th birthday blowout at the Grand Ole Opry.
In a bittersweet video posted to the Opry’s Instagram on Thursday, Jan. 8, the 79-year-old country icon thanked fans for celebrating her big 8-0 on Jan. 17 — then casually revealed she won’t be stepping on the legendary Nashville stage that night.
“Well hey there Grand Ole Opry family,” she began, flashing that famous smile in a white button-down with yellow lace and matching 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.”
Then came the gut punch for fans.
“Some of my favorite memories happened right here on stage at the Grand Ole Opry,” Dolly said. “And I wish I could be there in person but I’ll be sending you all my love, for sure.”
She signed off by telling everyone to “have the best night ever,” but the Opry had to jump into the comments to make it crystal clear: Dolly will not be in attendance.
Still, the party is going to be full-on Dolly chaos in the best way. On January 17, Opry members Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Rhonda Vincent, songwriter Trannie Anderson and more stars will hit the stage to honor Dolly’s iconic, big-hair, big-shoulder-pad ’80s era.
There’s also an “80 Years of Song” retail collection put together with Dolly herself that fans can pre-order, because of course her birthday comes with its own merch line.
“While Dolly is unable to attend in person, we’re looking forward to honoring her through song and fun all day long,” the Opry promised.
The news lands just months after Dolly postponed her Las Vegas residency from December to September 2026 following a kidney stone–related infection. A source told PEOPLE in August 2025 that the “9 to 5” legend is “getting better every day” and resting at home while friends and family visit — and in true Dolly fashion, she was already decorating for the holidays.
As for turning 80, Dolly’s not letting the number scare her.
“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started,” she said. As long as her health holds, she’s not “thinking about” getting old at all.
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