Dolly Parton Marks Landmark 80th Birthday With Star-Studded Collaboration and Signature Humor
The quintessential queen of country, Dolly Parton, commemorated her 80th birthday on Monday, January 19, by doing what she does best: spreading joy through music and self-deprecating wit.
In a vivacious video shared with her followers on Instagram, the legendary singer-songwriter reflected on reaching the octogenarian milestone. “Well, hey there! It’s Dolly, and I’ve made it! I’m 80 years old,” she exclaimed. “Can you believe that? Anyway, what do you give somebody that’s 80 years old? Well, you don’t take gifts. You give things.”
True to her word, Parton’s gift to her fans is a reimagined rendition of her 1977 classic, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” This contemporary version, produced by Kent Wells, features an ensemble of powerhouse talent including Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, and Lainey Wilson, with the legendary David Foster accompanying on piano.
The original track first appeared on her 1977 LP, New Harvest… First Gathering, climbing to the No. 11 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Parton noted that this new arrangement is intended to provide a sense of hope, remarking that the song “really lifts us up this day and time,” before adding, “Lord knows we could use that, right?”
Beyond the music, Parton leaned into her famous sense of humor regarding the passage of time. “Thank you for all the birthday wishes. And I hope I live another 80 years, but I hope I’ve still got my plastic surgeons in line,” she quipped. With a signature giggle, she added, “Oh Lord, I’ve outlived so many plastic surgeons. Well, happy birthday to me!”
This celebration also carries a philanthropic mission. All net proceeds from the single and its accompanying music video are dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Parton’s candid perspective on aging and aesthetics has long been a part of her public persona. In a previous interview with 60 Minutes, she famously stated, “I’ve had about all the nips and tucks I can have. The good part with me though, I have my own look. I look kind of cartoonish and cartoons don’t really age that much. Even when I’m 90, I’ll probably look about the same way — just with thicker make-up and bigger hair.”
Experience Dolly’s heartwarming and hilarious birthday message below:
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