See Dolly Parton’s Priceless Reaction To Bagpipe Birthday Surprise From Bono & U2
Bono, the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2, sent Dolly Parton a bagpipe player to surprise her on her 80th birthday. (Photo Credits: John van Hasselt / Corbis via Getty Images & Dolly Parton / Instagram)
Dolly Parton Celebrated Her 80th Birthday On January 19th
Monday, January 19, was Dolly Parton‘s 80th birthday. Country artists celebrated the milestone moment with tributes on social media. Others participated in a star-studded birthday celebration for Parton at the Grand Ole Opry on January 17.
Parton couldn’t attend the show, but she was deeply grateful for all who participated. Two of those participants were Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson, who joined forces to perform “I Will Always Love You.”
@cass_shines Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson covering Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. Are you kidding me?! 😍👏🏼 there’s so many similarities in Lainey and Dolly’s voices also! @Grand Ole Opry @Vince Gill @Lainey Wilson @Lainey Wilson’s Wild Horses @Dolly Parton #IWillAlwaysLoveYou #DollyParton #OpryGoesDolly #GrandOleOpry ♬ original sound – Cassie Hines
Additionally, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a proclamation declaring January 19th as “Dolly Parton Day” in Tennessee. Governor Lee said:
“Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history. Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world, and it is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State.”
Parton celebrated her own birthday by releasing a new version of her 1977 song, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” on January 16. The recording features Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, and Queen Latifah.
Proceeds from the reimagined song and its music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Bono And U2 Surprised Dolly Parton With A Bagpipe Player
To make her 80th birthday even sweeter, Dolly Parton got a unique and unexpected surprise from some of her famous friends.
Parton shared a video of herself at what appears to have been a business meeting. Suddenly, the meeting was interrupted by a man playing “Happy Birthday” on the bagpipes.
Then, someone else swooped in carrying a cake with “Happy Birthday” candles and a message that read “Love…Bono.”
Bono, the lead vocalist of the Irish rock band U2, sent the cake and the bagpipe player, Nashville-based Irish musician Patrick D’Arcy, to surprise Parton for her birthday.
“Well, thank you. I saw that cake said, ‘From Bono,’ so he must have sent you as a present to me?” Parton asked D’Arcy. “Well, thank you guys. I appreciate all of you.“
D’Arcy said, “It’s an absolute delight to be here on behalf of the whole band.”
“Well, good to see you. And thank you. That’s a surprise,” Parton said, before joking, “Are you calling me an old bag?“
Watch the video of Dolly Parton’s bagpipe birthday surprise below to see her priceless reaction!
D’Arcy commented on Parton’s video, writing, “I‘m so glad it worked out. It was a delight to play for you on behalf of Bono and the boys. Happy 80th.”
He shared his own post about the bagpipe birthday surprise, saying he also presented a pint of Guinness to Parton and enjoyed “a nice chat” with the country music legend.
“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…She was exactly who you’d hope she’d be. Happy 80th Birthday Dolly!“
D’Arcy shared his story next to two photos of him and Parton together, which you can see below. We hope she had the most wonderful birthday!
