Singer Bob Dylan confirmed that he cannot attend and personally receive his award in the upcoming 2016 Nobel Prize for literature in Stockholm, Sweden, on Dec. 10.

Dylan was named winner of this year's Nobel Prize for Literature in October. This was in recognition of his vast collection of lyrics and poetry.

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He has however been visibly reluctant to acknowledge the honor in public. This has led to a member of the Nobel academy labeling him "arrogant."

A brief message on his website saying that he is "the winner of the Nobel prize for literature" has also been taken down.

The singer and songwriter took two weeks to pick up a call from Sara Danius, the permanent secretary of the academy.

During the phone conversation, Dylan told them that the honor had left him speechless. In a later interview, he confirmed that he would attend the award ceremony "if it's at all possible."

In a late twist, however, Dylan wrote a personal letter to the academy stating how he wish he could receive the accolade personally, but other commitments will make that impossible.

The academy has stated that it will respect Dylan's decision. It has however stressed that it is unusual for a Nobel laureate to decide not to go to Stockholm to accept the award in person.

The popular artiste is not the first literature laureate to opt out of the awards gala. Doris Lessing and Harold Pinter also missed their respective ceremonies.

Dylan is still expected to give his official Nobel Lecture within six months of the ceremony. The speech is the only requirement to officially receiving the prize.

Dylan has released 58 studio albums up to date.

TagsBob Dylan, nobel prize, Bob Dylan Nobel Prize nomination, Bob Dylan Nobel Prize criticism