Bob Dylan, sticking to his iconoclast guns, says he won’t pick up his Nobel prize for literature in person, saying “other commitments make it unfortunately impossible.”
Permanent Secretary Sara Danius reportedly told Swedish news agency TT that the Swedish Academy received a personal letter from Dylan, who “underlined that he feels extremely honored” by the recognition, Rolling Stone said.
“The Academy acknowledged that it ‘respects’ the musician’s decision, calling the move ‘unusual, but not exceptional.’ … It remains unclear who will accept the award on Dylan’s behalf, though more information is expected by Friday.
“We are looking forward to Bob Dylan’s Nobel lecture, which he must hold, according to the requirements, within six months [from December 10th],” the group said.
Other coverage:
In a personal letter to the Swedish Academy, Bob Dylan explained that he couldn’t travel to the Nobel ceremony https://t.co/3ILvdeaROw
— New York Times Arts (@nytimesarts) November 16, 2016
Bob Dylan leaves his Nobel Prize blowin’ in the wind. https://t.co/CcW1vBJozm pic.twitter.com/QY9i9FjuKT
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) November 16, 2016