The reason Dolly Parton turned down tea with Kate Middleton

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music legend, recently revealed an amusing anecdote about declining an invitation for tea with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. During a promotional interview with BBC Radio 2 for her upcoming album “Rockstar,” scheduled for release on November 17th, Parton shared the reason behind her inability to attend the tea date.

While discussing the invitation with host Claudia Winkleman, the 77-year-old singer playfully disclosed that she had received the offer while in London for work-related engagements. However, she had to politely decline due to a humorous reason. “This time, Lordy, I even got invited to have tea with Kate but I couldn’t even go,” Parton explained.

Expressing her appreciation for the kind gesture, Parton added, “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.” However, she jokingly revealed the reason for her decline, stating, “she wasn’t going to promote [her] rock album.”

With a lighthearted quip, Parton concluded, “So I had to say no,” highlighting her commitment to promoting her upcoming rock-inspired album during her visit to London.

Dolly Parton acknowledged that while she adores the people and ambiance of London, her business commitments often leave little room for sightseeing during her visits to the city. This could potentially explain why a tea session with Kate Middleton was not feasible. In the past, Dolly and her touring crew had to meticulously plan leisure activities due to their hectic schedules. However, with Dolly recently announcing her retirement from extensive touring and opting for occasional performances at major festivals, she may have more flexibility in her schedule for leisurely pursuits like enjoying tea with royalty.

Sophie Williams is a versatile Freelance Journalist and Copywriter with a diverse portfolio spanning Fashion, Entertainment, Music, Lifestyle, and Features. Her expertise is evident in her extensive list of interviews with renowned musical artists and authors, including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven. Her work has been featured in reputable publications such as Metro, Reader’s Digest, ITV’s Woo!, and Vice’s NBGA. Additionally, she is currently working on a book about Taylor Swift, commissioned by HarperCollins, which is scheduled for publication in 2024.