The country music legend Dolly Parton is set to turn 80 on January 19. Sadly, Parton revealed on Thursday that she won’t be able to attend her own 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry as she battles various health challenges.

Parton To Miss Her Own Birthday Party

Parton took to Instagram yesterday to reveal that she sadly won’t be able to go to her own 80th birthday party at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.

“Well hey there Grand Ole Opry family,” began Parton, 79. “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.”

“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 continued.

Parton ended her message by urging her fans to “have the best night ever.”

In January 1969, I was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

I had always wanted to be a member. Back home and in country music, the epitome of success was to be on the Grand Ole Opry. To become a member was a big deal. 

I thought back to how I’d perform on my porch at my Tennessee… pic.twitter.com/Zb70wg871M

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) January 6, 2026

The Grand Ole Opry took to the caption of the post to say that though Parton won’t be in attendance, her birthday celebration will still be going forward.

“The Queen of Country is turning 80, and @laineywilson, @vincegillofficial, @rhondavincent, @trannieanderson, and more are coming together to celebrate @dollyparton’s iconic ’80s era on January 17 at the Opry House 🦋,” the caption read.

“While Dolly is unable to attend in person, we’re looking forward to honoring her through song and fun all day long,” the Grand Ole Opry account wrote in the comments section. The organization added that there would be birthday party cupcakes, a “larger-than-life birthday card for fans to sign,” photo opps with a Parton impersonator, “Dolly-themed drinks” and tributes.

Parton Postpones Las Vegas Residency

This comes after Parton postponed her Las Vegas residency from December of 2025 to September of 2026. Days before that, Parton canceled a public appearance due to a kidney stone-related infection.

On October 8, Parton took to Instagram to post a video in which she tried to assure her fans that she’s doing well.

“Lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick?” Parton said in the video. “I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of. So anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said, ‘We need to take care of this. We need to take care of that.’ Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home. But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying.”

“But anyway, there’s just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me, you’d know that I was okay,” she concluded. “So anyhow, that’s what I wanted to say, and I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working. I love you for caring and keep praying for me.”

Check out Dolly’s full comments on this in the video below.

Parton Stays Positive

In August of last year, a source claimed to People Magazine that “Dolly is getting better every day.”

“She is at home taking care of herself while many friends and family visit her,” the insider said. “In true Dolly spirit she has already started decorating for the holidays — her favorite time of year.”

Parton herself chimed in at the time to give her thoughts about turning 80.

“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,” Parton said. “I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine, I think there’s a lot to be said about age.”

Parton concluded by saying that she wasn’t “thinking about” getting “old.”

Dolly Parton tells PEOPLE that she’s “just getting started”:

“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. I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I… pic.twitter.com/xZCygoEqZE

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 12, 2025

The fact that Parton is missing her own 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry is seemingly indicative of just how serious her health struggles are. Please join us in saying a prayer for her.

God bless you, Dolly Parton!