When Dolly Parton declined Kate Middleton’s tea invite

American country music icon Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

Flags across the United States were flying at half-staff Wednesday and grieving fans gathered in the late country music star Dolly Parton's hometown in Tennessee as the nation paid tribute to the beloved cultural icon.

Dolly Parton was known as an admirer of the British royal family, which also paid tribute to the American legend.

She famously expressed her desire to have tea with Kate Middleton, after initially turning down an invitation due to a packed schedule.

In a 2023 BBC Radio 2 appearance, Parton explained why she rejected tea invite from the Princess of Wales.

Parton opened up that she got the invitation from the future queen during her work trip to London.

“I got invited to have tea with Kate but I could not even go,” said the then 77-year-old.

The country musician stated, “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, Parton joked as to why she turned down Middleton’s invite.

“But she wasn't going to promote my rock album so I had to say no,” quipped the singer.