Bob Dylan to Miss Nobel Prize Ceremony

He must present a "Nobel Lecture" within six months of the Dec. 10 ceremony.

ByABC News
November 16, 2016, 12:38 PM

— -- Bob Dylan won't attend the Nobel Prize ceremony next month.

After being chosen to receive the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature last month, Dylan initially kept officials waiting for about two weeks before contacting them let them know he accepted the honor.

Now, the Swedish Academy, which presents the prizes, has revealed that the legendary singer/songwriter isn't able to attend the 2016 Nobel ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 10 in Stockholm.

A message posted Wednesday on NobelPrize.org states that Swedish Academy received a personal letter from Bob Dylan explaining "that due to pre-existing commitments, he is unable to travel to Stockholm in December and therefore will not attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony."

The note adds that Dylan reiterated that he "feels very honored indeed" to be chosen for the award, and wished "that he could receive the prize in person."

The Swedish Academy points out that it's unusual, "but not exceptional," for a Nobel Prize for Literature honoree not to attend the official ceremony. It notes that that authors Harold Pinter and Doris Lessing, the respective 2005 and 2006 winners, were among those who chose not to travel to Stockholm for the event.

The message further explains that the only requirement Dylan must fulfill as a Nobel honoree is to present a "Nobel Lecture" sometime within six months of the Dec. 10 ceremony.