diff --git a/src/python/pants/notes/2.8.x.md b/src/python/pants/notes/2.8.x.md
index 4578ce90917..97a5be27e88 100644
--- a/src/python/pants/notes/2.8.x.md
+++ b/src/python/pants/notes/2.8.x.md
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 # 2.8.x Release Series
 
+## 2.8.1rc0 (Nov 17, 2021)
+
+### Bug fixes
+
+* Fix download URL for grpc_python_plugin on macos (cherrypick of #13656) ([#13659](https://github.com/pantsbuild/pants/pull/13659))
+
 ## 2.8.0 (Nov 17, 2021)
 
 The first stable release of the `2.8.x` series, with no changes since the previous release candidate!