Here’s How The Grand Ole Opry Is Celebrating Dolly Parton’s 78th Birthday

For the second year in a row, the Grand Ole Opry will be hosting a birthday bash for the one and only, Dolly Parton.

Although Parton will not be present, the weekend dubbed “Opry Goes Dolly” will be filled with plenty of themed festivities, kicking off with two shows (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) on the country icon’s 78^th birthday, January 19, 2024.

Star-Studded Performances

The Friday night shows held at the Ryman Auditorium will feature performances by Lauren Alaina, Terri Clark, Dailey & Vincent, and Don Schlitz as well as special guests Elle King, Ashley Monroe, and Tigirlily Gold. These country stars will take the stage to honor the “9 To 5” singer by delivering some of their favorite Dolly hits. A sweepstakes winner will also be making an appearance during the show to lead the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to the musical icon.

Throughout the evening of January 19, a variety of Dolly-themed photo-ops and events will also be offered, including a “larger-than-life” birthday card for fans to sign at both the Ryman Auditorium and Opry House.

Those attending the Opry Goes Dolly shows will be greeted by a Dolly impersonator in the Ryman lobby who will be posing for photos. Then those looking to grab a pre-show refreshment can head over to any of the Ryman bars where a signature Dolly ROCKSTAR drink will be available for purchase. 

For every ticket sold to the January 19 shows, $5 will be donated to the Opry Trust Fund, which has been active in assisting members of the country music community in need for more than 50 years. 

Tickets for “Opry Goes Dolly” are on sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com.

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Get A Special Look Into Dolly’s Wardrobe During Backstage Tours

In addition to the star-studded shows, those who purchase tickets for the daytime backstage tours at the Grand Ole Opry House or the Ryman Auditorium will have the chance to see some newly added items from Dolly’s personal wardrobe collection. 

While exploring the Opry House some of the pieces that will be on display include the jumpsuit Dolly wore during the opening night of the Opry House in 1974 as well as on the cover of her “Love Is Like A Butterfly” album (designed by Lucy Adams). 

Then over at the Ryman Auditorium located in downtown Nashville, ticketholders will get to see Parton’s custom butterfly dress that she wore on the 1979 TV special, Dolly and Carol In Nashville, starring Carol Burnett and Dolly Parton. This special piece of clothing was designed by famous designer to the stars Bob Mackie and paired with shoes that were custom made by Pasquale Di Fabrizio. 

As an extra treat, cupcakes from Dolly’s Duncan Hines mixes are to be handed out at the Ryman and Opry House during tour hours to all tour guests (while supplies last).

To purchase backstage tour tickets for Ryman Auditorium click HERE or for Grand Ole Opry click HERE.

“Rockstar” Pop-Up Shop 

Along with celebrating her birthday, The Opry Shop is honored to congratulate Dolly Parton on the release of her first rock and roll album with a Rockstar pop-up shop. Running through the end of January, the pop-up will offer a selection of Dolly Parton music and merchandise including Rockstar vinyl and CDs, Rockstar-themed t-shirts, sweatshirts and more. 

This album dropped in November of 2023 via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group and earned Parton her biggest debut week ever and biggest sales week in 30 years. Throughout the 30 tracks, listeners get to hear a collection of nine originals and 21 covers of some of the most iconic rock hits of all time. Rockstar sold 127,778 units in just the first week and landed the top spot on six different Billboard charts, making it one of the most successful projects of 2023.

For more information about all the upcoming Dolly-themed events taking place, visit opry.com.