Bob Dylan is declining to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Sweden on December 10th where the songwriter and poet is due to be awarded the prize for literature. According to a statement on the Swedish Academy’s website, Dylan wrote a personal letter explaining he is unable to travel to Stockholm for the ceremony due to pre-existing commitments.

“He underscored, once again, that he feels very honored indeed, wishing that he could receive the prize in person,” reads the statement.

The post on the Academy’s website goes on to explain that while laureates not attending is unusual, it is not exceptional and that Dylan will still be awarded the prize. That said, there is one requirement the notoriously elusive musician must complete within six months (from December 10, 2016), which is to give a Nobel lecture.

News that Bob Dylan would be receiving the literature Nobel was met with mixed reaction last month and Dylan himself took nearly two weeks to acknowledge the honors and respond to the Academy.