> At a Glance
> – Dolly Parton will miss the Grand Ole Opry’s Jan. 17 tribute for her 80th birthday
> – Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Rhonda Vincent and others will perform her ’80s classics
> – “80 Years of Song” retail line, themed drinks, cupcakes and a giant card will honor her
> – Why it matters: Fans expected the Queen of Country on-stage; her absence shifts the night to a love-filled sing-along instead
The Grand Ole Opry will toast Dolly Parton on Jan. 17, but the guest of honor won’t walk through the stage door. In a video posted Jan. 8 to the Opry’s Instagram, Parton, who turns 80 on Jan. 19, thanked fans and confirmed she’ll be absent.
The Message From Dolly
Sitting pretty in white denim and yellow lace, Parton said:
> “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.”
She ended with a cheerful, “have the best night ever.”
What Fans Get Instead
The Opry has packed the evening with Parton-themed fun:
- Live versions of her 1980s hits by Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Rhonda Vincent and songwriter Trannie Anderson
- Birthday-party cupcakes and Dolly-themed cocktails
- A larger-than-life birthday card for fans to sign
- Photo ops with a Parton impersonator
- A commemorative “80 Years of Song” retail collection-already up for pre-order
Health Update
Parton’s no-show follows a recent kidney-stone infection that forced her to delay her Las Vegas residency to September 2026. An August News Of Los Angeles cover source said:
> “Dolly is getting better every day… at home taking care of herself while many friends and family visit her.”
The singer remains upbeat about age:
> “People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what?… I feel like I’m just getting started.”
Key Takeaways
- Jan. 17 Opry show becomes a fan-powered sing-along in Parton’s place
- Multiple Opry stars will spotlight her 1980s catalog
- Merch, drinks, cupcakes and a crowd-signed card keep the party festive
- Parton posts video thanks and promises love “from afar” as she recovers
Even without the Queen on her throne, the Grand Ole Opry vows the birthday bash will overflow with music, memories and mountain-size affection.
