Watch the moment Dolly Parton gets the strangest 80th birthday gift from U2 legend Bono
22 January 2026, 11:45
"Are you calling me an old bag?"
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After a tough 2025 following the death of her husband Carl Dean and reported health issues, Dolly Parton has had a much more joyous start to the year as she celebrates her 80th birthday.
This month already, the Queen of Country released a stunning new version of her classic 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning' and saw her birthday named Dolly Parton Day in her native Tennessee.
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And as well as soaking up birthday wishes from fans across the world on January 19, she also got a very special present from a fellow music superstar.
Not one to do things by half, U2 frontman Bono didn't just send a card.
Instead, he sent a birthday cake featuring the message "Love.... Bono", with its presentation accompanied by a bagpiper.
Dublin-born Nashville-based Patrick D'Arcy belted out a unique rendition of Happy Birthday to mark the occasion.
"Wow, this is from Bono!" Dolly said in amazement.
"Well, thank you. I saw that cake said, 'From Bono', so he must have sent you as a present to me? Well, thank you guys. I appreciate all of you."
She quipped: "And Bono, I know him personally. Well, good to see you. And thank you. That’s a surprise. Are you calling me an old bag?"
Dolly captioned the video on Instagram: "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."
For his part, D'Arcy wrote on his feed: "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. I played uilleann pipes and bagpipes (madness, I know) but it was well received.
"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! 🎂"
