Dolly Parton Posthumously Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award
A pre-recorded video of Dolly Parton surprised audiences at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards on September 16. The late country legend accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Robert Plant. Emmylou Harris presented the honor, closing with, “Farewell Dolly. Godspeed and thank you for everything.”
In the video, Parton reflected on her roots music journey, citing her 1997 album Hungry Again as a turning point. “Now, looking back at it all, I see this era of my career as a musical renaissance of sorts,” she said. She closed with her signature line, “Just know that I will always love you.”
A televised tribute concert, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, airs October 21 on ABC.