Dolly Parton Celebrates 80th Birthday with a Special Surprise Bagpipe Performance from Bono
Dolly Parton and Bono in May 2025.
Credit: Dolly Parton/Instagram; Lionel Hahn/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday on Monday, Jan. 19
- Bono sent the country icon a live bagpipe player
- “Well, that’s a surprise. Are you calling me an old bag?” she quipped to the instrumentalist
Dolly Parton marked her 80th birthday on January 19 with a memorable surprise from Bono. The U2 frontman gifted the country music legend a live bagpipe player, delighting Parton as she shared the moment on Instagram.
In a video clip, Parton is seen seated on a couch, visibly surprised as a bagpiper plays “Happy Birthday.” “Wow! This is from Bono,” she exclaimed, followed by laughter as she blew out the candles on her cake.
“Thank you guys. I appreciate all of it,” she remarked to the musician. Parton humorously responded, “Well, that’s a surprise. Are you calling me an old bag?” The bagpiper assured her, “In no way at all. You’re looking fantastic,” to which Parton replied, “Well, you better not. That was very thoughtful of you.”
In her post’s caption, Parton expressed her gratitude: “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.”
The bagpipe player, Pat Darcy, commented on the post, noting, “I’m so glad it worked out. It was a delight to play for you on behalf of Bono and the boys. Happy 80th.”
Darcy later shared on his own Instagram, “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. My pipes tech Joy was able to join us, which was wonderful.”
Dolly Parton in June 2024.
Jason Kempin/Getty
Darcy added, “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!”
In the comments section, singer Shania Twain joined in the celebrations, writing, “I love it! Happy birthday, Dolly.”
Dolly Parton.
In celebration of Parton’s milestone birthday, a special edition of PEOPLE magazine honors her illustrious career. The issue features an exclusive interview in which Parton reflected, “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.”
