Country music legend Dolly Parton marked her 78th birthday in style, treating fans to a special surprise. In an Instagram post on her birthday, she announced the release of four never-before-heard songs, along with additional tracks that were not included in the original Rockstar album. Parton expressed her hope that fans would enjoy the new music and wished them a happy birthday on her behalf.

The surprise release is part of the deluxe version of her rock-inspired album “Rockstar,” initially launched in November of the previous year. The album features a total of 30 songs, including 20 covers of iconic tracks and nine original compositions. Parton had previously shared her excitement about the project, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with legendary singers and musicians.

Fans flooded the comments section of Parton’s birthday post with heartfelt wishes and expressions of gratitude. The post also urged followers to stream the “Rockstar Deluxe” album on their preferred music platforms.

In a recent interview, Parton revealed a charming encounter with royalty. She recounted being invited to afternoon tea by none other than Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Despite feeling honored by the invitation, Parton had to decline due to a busy schedule. She expressed her admiration for Kate’s dedication to initiatives supporting underprivileged children, highlighting their shared passion for making a positive impact on children’s lives.

Parton, known for her philanthropic work, particularly her Imagination Library launched in 1995, which has distributed 200 million books globally to children in need, expressed a desire to have a conversation with Kate in the future. Both women have made significant contributions to early childhood development causes, with Kate’s initiatives focusing on the importance of early childhood developmental care in the UK.

This wasn’t Parton’s first brush with British royalty. She recalled meeting Queen Elizabeth during her Silver Jubilee in 1977, describing the experience as “amazing” and praising the Queen’s warmth and kindness. Parton shared an anecdote about being “scared to death” about curtsying but was impressed by the Queen’s gracious demeanor.

In the interview, Parton expressed her admiration for Kate Middleton, describing her as “adorable.” Despite having to decline the tea invitation, Parton hopes for an opportunity to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with the Duchess in the future.

As Dolly Parton continues to captivate audiences with her timeless talent and surprises, her latest birthday gift to fans in the form of new music adds another chapter to her legendary career. The “Rockstar Deluxe” album, with its eclectic mix of covers and original tracks, is a testament to Parton’s enduring creativity and ability to connect with audiences across generations.