It's hard to believe, but Dolly Parton is turning 80 on Jan. 19.
Videos by Wide Open Country
You'd never know it, though. She says she still gets up at 3 a.m. every morning (in high heels, no less). In addition to preparing for her Las Vegas residency later this year, she has a business empire to run.
Not only does she manage Dollywood, but the "Jolene" singer also has a beauty and fragrance brand. You can even grab a bottle of wine with her name on it. Soon, travelers can stop at Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, or pay a visit to her SongTeller Hotel and Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville.
To mark her milestone birthday, the Grand Ole Opry will host a special show, "Opry Goes Dolly," on Jan. 17. The event will feature performances from Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Rhonda Wilson, and others. However, Parton herself will not be in attendance.
Why can't the Queen of Country attend her own party? We have the details below.
Dolly Parton Wants Attendees To Have the "Best Night Ever"
The "Opry Goes Dolly" celebration will highlight Parton's 1980s hits, including "9 to 5" and "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That." Alongside live musical tributes, fans can enjoy Dolly-themed cupcakes and drinks, along with a birthday card for signing.
But in a video message shared by the Opry, Parton shared she would be unable to attend.
"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," she said. "Some of my favorite memories happened right here onstage at the Grand Ole Opry."
"I wish I could be there in person, but I'll be sending you all my love for sure," Parton said in her video message. "So you have the best night ever."
Parton Has Been Absent From Some Events Lately
Parton didn't give a reason for missing the Opry event.
Last year, she was absent from some events and postponed her upcoming Las Vegas residency, which was originally scheduled for 2025.
Recently, Parton has told fans that her health complications are "nothing major" and not to worry. Since the death of her husband Carl Dean, she has been focusing on her own health.
"I wanted to say, I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here," she said to fans on social media. "Anyway, I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers because I'm a person of faith... But I want you to know that I'm okay."
You can watch Parton's Grand Ole Opry message here.
