Reason Dolly Parton declined to have tea with Kate Middleton
Reason Dolly Parton declined to have tea with Kate Middleton
Niti MajethiaThu, August 27, 2026 at 5:57 PM UTC
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The late Dolly Parton had a specific reason for declining tea with Kate Middleton -Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Fans are still trying to cope with Dolly Parton's passing and are turning to thoughtful ways of honoring the beloved icon. Parton, known for her beloved classics such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5," died on August 25 at the age of 80.
Her nephew and longtime bodyguard, Bryan Seaver, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional video posted to social media. As tributes pour in from around the world, the military group called The Band of the Coldstream Guards performed Dolly Parton's classic hit "9 to 5" outside Buckingham Palace to honor the late Country legend.
Parton shared a long history with the Royal Family—and one such anecdote involves Kate Middleton inviting her for tea. This comes as Dolly Parton's heartbreaking last ten-word statement before her death has been revealed.
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While on a press tour in the United Kingdom for her rock album Rockstar, the then-77-year-old singer was asked to have tea with the Princess of Wales.
She shared the story on Claudia Winkleman's BBC radio show back in 2023.
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Dolly Parton declined to have tea with Kate Middleton -Credit:Getty Images
"I even got invited to have tea with Kate. I felt so bad," she said with a laugh.
"I couldn't even because they had all this stuff set up, but I thought that was very sweet and nice of her to invite me to tea. One of these days, I'm going to be able to get to do that, wouldn't that have been great? But she wasn't going to promote my rock album so I had to say no. I hope she hears it, though."
However, it seems like there was no bad blood between the Royal Family and Parton, as King Charles III and Queen Camila issued a heartfelt joint statement mouring her death along with a video of the musical tribute outside Buckingham Palace.
It reads, "Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort, and inspiration to so many, including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always love you."
The Band of the Coldstream Guards paid tribute to Dolly Parton -Credit:Fox News
One person responded to the post adding several crying emojis and said, "This was such a great tribute to Dolly Parton."
Another said, "From Tennessee to Buckingham Palace — Dolly's music knew no borders. The Royals nodding along to 9 to 5 says it all."
A third chimed in, "What a beautiful tribute to an unforgettable legend. Dolly Parton's music touched generations, and hearing '9 to 5' played outside Buckingham Palace is a truly fitting salute to her incredible legacy."
However, not everyone was pleased, with one Royal Family critic commenting, "The song is about punching a clock! It's about the exploitation of the standard 9-to-5 office job! Couldn't you have picked a better song for a tribute?"
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
