A 70th birthday might call for a tasteful embossed card or an elegant e-vite—but one dad from London decided to make his big day feel more like a Hollywood blockbuster premiere.
In a TikTok clip posted by his daughter Des’ree Parker (@___dparks), Peterson’s party invitation is revealed in all its cinematic glory.
The video perfectly mimics the iconic Universal Pictures opening sequence—the slow rotation of a shining globe, the swelling orchestral drums and that triumphant fanfare audiences instantly associate with a major movie.
Only instead of announcing the start of a feature film, bold lettering appears: Peterson @ 70 Birthday Party. Save the Date – 15 November 2025. Formal Invite to Follow.
The text overlay reads: “My dad sent me his birthday invite and my mOm doesn’t like it and told him not to send it out.”
Peterson, 69, told Newsweek he wanted something “exclusive and a little novel” for his milestone celebration.
“I thought of announcing the save-the-date in a grand ‘breaking news’ style,” he said.
When Des’ree first saw the invite, she was delighted. “[I] thought it represented my dad perfectly, he loves to edit,” the 28-year-old told Newsweek.
Her mom, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic. “[She] thought it was a bit childish but it’s all in love. Just a bit of family banter, that’s just their relationship—they’re always teasing each other,” Des’ree said.
She described her dad as, “the funniest person I know—so creative, intelligent, down to earth and loves God.”
Des’ree’s clip has gone viral in its first day. Amassing 1.1 million views and a further 168,000 likes, TikTok users couldn’t get enough of Peterson’s creativity to mark the special occasion.
“Sorry but this invite eats! Screams main character fr,” one user wrote.
“This is littt. Mom needs to get with the program,” another laughed.
Many others even called Peterson an “icon.”
Peterson said the reaction from friends and family has been “overwhelmingly positive—truly encouraging and heartwarming.” And thanks to Des’ree’s post, the celebration preview has gone far beyond their immediate circle.
“I didn’t expect it to go crazy because I always post funny moments of my parents,” Des’ree said.
As for turning 70, Peterson told Newsweek, “I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for graciously keeping me. The Lord is my refuge and strength—a very present help in my life. Turning 70 feels wonderful, knowing I am never walking alone.”
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