Dolly Parton Sends Heartfelt Birthday Wishes to Alan Jackson: “You’ve Kept Country Music Honest and Real”
Nashville, Tennessee — Country music’s queen, Dolly Parton, has shared a touching birthday message for her longtime friend and fellow legend Alan Jackson, who celebrates his birthday today, October 17. Born in Newnan, Georgia, in 1958, Alan has become one of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of country music — a man whose songs, sincerity, and Southern spirit have touched millions across generations.
In a statement posted to her official social media accounts early this morning, Dolly wrote:
“Happy Birthday to my dear friend Alan Jackson! You’ve kept country music honest, heartfelt, and true to its roots for over forty years. I’ve always admired your songwriting, your voice, and the way you carry yourself with such grace and humility. You’ve never tried to be anyone but Alan — and that’s why the whole world loves you. Keep on shining, my friend. Love, Dolly.”
The message quickly spread across fan pages and country music circles, with thousands of fans celebrating the heartfelt exchange between two of the genre’s most respected icons. Many called the message “a beautiful moment between legends,” while others noted that both artists represent a vanishing authenticity in modern music — proof that classic country still thrives through voices like theirs.
Alan Jackson, who turned 67 today, is known for his unwavering commitment to traditional country music — bridging the gap between honky-tonk storytelling and heartfelt balladry. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has released over 20 studio albums, sold 75 million records worldwide, and sent more than 60 singles onto Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including 35 No. 1 hits. His classics — from “Chattahoochee” and “Remember When” to “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” — remain timeless reflections of American life and values.
Dolly, who has known Alan for decades, has long expressed admiration for his dedication to country’s roots. In past interviews, she has praised him as “a gentleman of country music” and “a storyteller who sings straight from the soul.” The two icons have occasionally shared the stage at award shows and tributes, embodying the kind of mutual respect that defines Nashville’s golden era.
“Alan reminds me of the old days when country music was about truth,” Dolly once said. “He doesn’t chase trends — he just sings from the heart. And that’s what makes him special.”
Today’s birthday tributes to Jackson have poured in from across the country music community. Artists like George Strait, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Combs have all posted messages honoring the man whose music influenced their own.
Reba McEntire wrote, “Alan has that rare gift — he can take a simple story and make it a song you’ll never forget.” Meanwhile, Luke Combs added, “Every young artist owes something to Alan Jackson. He showed us that staying true to who you are never goes out of style.”
Fans around the world have joined in the celebration, sharing photos, concert memories, and personal stories about how Jackson’s songs have touched their lives. From the dance floors of Texas to family living rooms across Ireland and Australia, Alan’s music continues to unite people in a way few artists ever have.
As the tributes continue to flood in, Dolly’s heartfelt words seem to sum up the sentiment felt across the country music world: Alan Jackson is more than an artist — he’s a symbol of everything that makes country music timeless.
Happy Birthday, Alan Jackson — from Dolly, and from all who still believe in real country music.