Dolly Parton Celebrates Turning 80 with a Lighthearted Joke About Plastic Surgeons
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Dolly Parton marks a significant milestone with laughter and new music as she celebrates her 80th birthday.
In honor of her 80th birthday on January 19, the beloved singer-songwriter unveiled a new rendition of her classic 1977 song, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” and shared a humorous video on Instagram.
“Well, hey there! It’s Dolly, and I’ve made it! I’m 80 years old,” she announced with enthusiasm. “Can you believe that? Anyway, what do you give somebody that’s 80 years old? Well, you don’t take gifts. You give things.”
Parton continued, “I’m gonna give you the gift of a bunch of friends that stopped by to help me sing on a song called ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning,’ a song I wrote years ago. In fact, it’s 50 years old. We did a new version of it, Kent Wells producing it, and then I’m giving you the gift of Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, and Lainey Wilson, with David Foster playing the piano.”
The original version of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” was featured on Parton’s 1977 album, New Harvest… First Gathering, and climbed to No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart that June.
In her Instagram clip, she emphasized the uplifting nature of the new version: “It really lifts us up this day and time,” adding, “Lord knows we could use that, right?”
Parton also humorously reflected on her age, stating, “Anyway, 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.” With a laugh, she added, “Oh Lord, I’ve outlived so many plastic surgeons. Well, happy birthday to me!”
The net proceeds from “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” and its accompanying music video will support the pediatric cancer research program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Parton has previously discussed her experiences with plastic surgery in a 2020 interview with 60 Minutes. “I’ve had about all the nips and tucks I can have,” she noted. “The good part with me, though, I have my own look. I look kind of cartoonish and cartoons don’t really age that much.” She added humorously, “Even when I’m 90, I’ll probably look about the same way — just with thicker make-up and bigger hair.”
For a glimpse of Parton’s lighthearted birthday celebration, her birthday message is available on Instagram.
