At a Glance
- Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday on January 19.
- Bono sent a live bagpipe player to the country icon.
- A special edition of News Of Los Angeles featuring Parton’s 80-year legacy is now available.
- Why it matters: The moment highlights how music icons celebrate milestones and how media immortalizes them.
Dolly Parton turned 80 on January 19 and shared a video that captured a playful surprise from U2 frontman Bono. The clip shows Parton on a couch, startled as a bagpiper plays “Happy Birthday.” The gift, a live bagpipe performance, was a birthday tribute from Bono and the U2 band.
Surprise Birthday Gift From Bono
The Instagram video begins with Parton’s wide-eyed reaction to a man on a couch. She laughs and says, “Wow! This is from Bono,” before blowing out candles on a cake. The bagpiper, later revealed to be Pat Darcy, plays a short rendition of the classic birthday tune.
Parton’s comments in the video were playful:
- “Well, that’s a surprise. Are you calling me an old bag?”
- “Well, thank you guys. I appreciate all of it.”
- “Well, you better not,” she quipped, adding, “That was very thoughtful of you.”
The bagpiper’s reply was calm and complimentary: “In no way at all,” he said. “You’re looking fantastic.”
The post’s caption read: “Now that’s what you call a surprise! This old bag sure feels the love! 😉💖 Thank you, Bono and @u2 for making my birthday extra special.”
Pat Darcy’s Performance
Pat Darcy, the bagpipe player, took to the comments section to thank Parton. He wrote, “I’m so glad it worked out. It was a delight to play for you on behalf of Bono and the boys. Happy 80th.”
In a separate post on his own account, Darcy explained the arrangement:
- “This morning I had the pleasure of playing a few tunes, on behalf of Bono and the boys, for Dolly Parton for her 80th birthday.”
- He added that his pipes tech Joy joined them, making the session “wonderful.”
Darcy also mentioned a special gift: “I also presented her with a pint of Guinness. There was even time for a nice chat. She was exactly who you’d hope she’d be. Happy 80th Birthday Dolly!”
Shania Twain’s Shoutout
In the comments, fellow country star Shania Twain celebrated Parton’s milestone. Twain wrote, “I love it! Happy birthday Dolly.” Her message was brief but heartfelt.
News Of Los Angeles‘s Special Edition
In honor of Parton’s 80th birthday, News Of Los Angeles released a special edition issue. The cover features the November 2025 interview with the 11-time Grammy winner. In that exclusive conversation, Parton said:
> “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.”
The issue is available at newsstands and on Amazon, allowing fans to explore Parton’s life and career in depth.
Key Takeaways
- Bono’s live bagpipe tribute was a playful surprise that highlighted the camaraderie between music legends.
- Pat Darcy’s heartfelt comments added a personal touch, showing the behind-the-scenes effort.
- Shania Twain’s supportive message underscored the solidarity among country stars.
- News Of Los Angeles‘s special edition offers a comprehensive look at Parton’s 80-year legacy.
The combination of a viral Instagram moment and a commemorative print issue underscores how modern media celebrates cultural icons while preserving their stories for future generations.
