Bob Dylan will not go to Sweden to receive his Nobel prize in literature, announced the Swedish Academy in a Wednesday statement.

In a letter to the organization that awards the Nobel prize, Dylan explained that he will not be able to attend the ceremony in Stockholm, which will be held next month because of "existing commitments."

The Swedish Academy, said that Dylan says that it is a very great honour for him to receive this award. He would like to attend the ceremony in person, but circumstances are such that he will not be able to come to Sweden.

The organization added that there were other Nobel prize winners in the past who were unable to attend the ceremony - and the prize is still awarded. The only requirement is that Dylan appeared within 6 months.

Dylan is the first writer who was awarded the Nobel prize "for the creation of a new poetic expression in the great American tradition of song."
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