You Won't Believe Keith Urban's Heartfelt Birthday Surprise for Dolly Parton—Watch Before It’s Gone!

Keith Urban has taken a heartfelt moment to honor one of country music's most beloved icons, Dolly Parton, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. The two artists share a deep-rooted connection, having admired each other's work for years, long before they crossed paths in person. Urban, who grew up in Australia, has fond memories of playing Parton's music during his formative years.

On January 19, 2023, Urban released a touching video tribute that begins with a nostalgic audio recording of his 10-year-old self playing the banjo and singing “Applejack,” a traditional country tune that Parton wrote and recorded in 1977 for her album, New Harvest…First Gathering. With a smile, Urban reflects on his younger self and expresses his gratitude with the words, “I’m just here to say you’ve been a massive inspiration to me for a long time, Dolly, and God, thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve ever done.”

In his tribute, Urban elaborates on the profound impact Parton has had on him throughout his career. He commended her not only as a songwriter and artist but also as a humanitarian: “Just the goodness that you’ve brought into the world with your heart and your curiosity and your passion and your insane musical gift.” He concluded his message by raising a toast to her future: “Here’s to many, many, many, many, many years ahead. I love you, Dolly.”

The admiration between Urban and Parton goes beyond mere words. Their professional relationship has been marked by mutual respect and even a touch of playful banter. Back in 2010, during a performance of George Jones’ classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Parton humorously remarked on her connection with Urban, recalling, “I know his momma used to spend a lot of time over here and I felt like he was kind of lonesome all that way from home. And I wrote him a note one time and said ‘Well, I can be your other mother, your other lover or the sister you never wanted.’ I never heard back from him on that.”

In the years that followed, Parton made it clear that Urban was her choice for a duet partner. When asked who she would like to collaborate with, she quickly cited him, saying, “I’ve always thought he was one of the most talented and cutest guys in the world… I love his writing, and I just think he’s dear and he reminds me so much of my brothers and my own family.” Urban reciprocated her affection with a video where he sang a snippet of “Applejack” and expressed his desire to work with her someday.

The two finally joined forces in 2005 for Parton’s album Those Were a Days, a collection of duets featuring songs primarily from the 1960s and 1970s. They recorded a bluegrass-inflected version of “The Twelfth of Never,” showcasing their combined talents.

Urban’s appeal extends to other legendary female artists in country music as well. In 2019, during a birthday tribute for Loretta Lynn at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, he surprised the audience by jumping out of a birthday cake at Lynn’s request, further exemplifying his playful spirit and deep respect for his musical predecessors.

As Dolly Parton turns 80 and reflects on a career that has significantly shaped the landscape of country music, it’s clear that her influence has resonated with artists like Keith Urban, who carry her legacy forward. This mutual admiration between icons highlights the familial bonds that often form within the music industry, creating a tapestry of inspiration and support that spans generations.