Throughout her nearly seven-decade career, country music royalty Dolly Parton has had multiple opportunities to mingle with real-life royalty. The “Jolene” singer even met and performed for England’s Queen Elizabeth II at her Silver Jubilee celebration in 1977. However, Dolly once had to politely decline Kate Middleton’s invitation for tea due to a packed schedule. Now, the 9 to 5 star is headed to London this fall. And she hopes that offer is still on the table.
Why Dolly Parton Turned Down Kate Middleton For Tea
Dolly Parton said she was “honored and flattered” to learn that the Princess of Wales had invited her to Buckingham Palace for tea during a 2023 visit to London. However, due to a packed promotion schedule for her album Rockstar, the meeting simply wasn’t feasible.
“I only had one full day and I did not have a second to do anything else besides work,” Dolly told Saga Exceptional.
Joked the 11-time Grammy Award winner, “She wasn’t going to promote my rock album, so I had to say no.”
Now, Dolly is preparing for an October trip to London. And the Country Music Hall of Famer is keeping her fingers crossed that she can cash in on her rain check.
“I don’t know if that offer still stands, but if she wants me and I’m there, I’ll be right there with tea bag in hand,” she told The Huffington Post with a laugh.
Dolly Has a “Royal Treat” in Store for Kate and Her Family
Hopefully, Dolly Parton and Kate Middleton can link up in London. If not, the country music icon wants the Princess of Wales to know that she has a standing offer to visit Dollywood with her three children― Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“They’re all invited,” Dolly told The Huffington Post. “We would love to have them at Dollywood, and if they decide their schedule ever permits that, well, then we will go all out to try to make it a royal treat for them.”
If the royal family does make the trek to Tennessee, Dolly’s famous mashed potatoes are on the menu.
“I wouldn’t put on any airs for them,” she insisted. “I would just let them enjoy what we enjoy, and I’m sure that’s the way they would want it.”
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