Dolly Parton once revealed that she had to turn down an invitation to have tea with Kate Middleton because her busy work schedule left her with no time to spare.
The beloved country music star died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Fans and public figures have since paid tribute to the singer, remembering her extraordinary career, generosity and unmistakable sense of humor. The Associated Press
Parton was also known to be an admirer of the British royal family. During an appearance on BBC Radio 2 in 2023, she recalled receiving a personal invitation from the Princess of Wales while visiting London for work.
“I got invited to have tea with Kate, but I couldn’t even go,” Parton said.
The singer, who was 77 at the time, described the invitation as a thoughtful gesture and expressed hope that she would eventually get another opportunity to meet the future queen.
“I thought it was very sweet and nice of her to invite me, and one of these days I’m going to get to do that. That would be great,” she added.
In typical Dolly fashion, however, she followed the explanation with a playful joke about why she had declined.
“But she wasn’t going to promote my rock album, so I had to say no,” Parton quipped.
The singer was in Britain promoting Rockstar, her first full-length rock album, when the invitation arrived. Her packed promotional schedule meant that tea with Kate was not possible, despite her appreciation for the offer. NBC
The lighthearted story remains a memorable example of the warmth, wit and charm that helped make Parton one of the world’s most treasured entertainers.
