Dolly Parton appeared at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards via prerecorded video to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award, according to People. Seeing Dolly’s face light up made it feel as if she was still with us.
Videos by InspireMore
”Well, hey, it’s Dolly, and I am so honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. I mean, roots music, or what is now called Americana music, is what I grew up playing back in the Smoky Mountains. It’s that same music that drew me back to East Tennessee back in 1997 to write and record my album ‘Hungry Again,’” Dolly Parton shared in the video.
Dolly Parton Ended Her Video with Her Signature Phrase
She reminisced about growing up in the Smoky Mountains and how that life framed so much of her career. At the end of her video, Dolly Parton added a line that brought a tear to many eyes.
“Now, new fans discovered these albums, new Americana music communities embraced them, and now looking back at it all, I see this era of my career as a musical renaissance of sorts,” she said. “I want to thank everyone at the AMA for recognizing me with this award. It’s a great honor, truly, and just know that I will always love you.”
Fans adored seeing Dolly, and the moment made many emotional.
“Omg now I’m crying on lunch break we love and miss you Dolly,” a fan shared.
“Just when I can stop crying Dollyyyy,” another person wrote.
This fan made a lovely comment on Dolly Parton’s video.
“You deserved the very best Dolly it came at a right but strange time a lifetime achievement award you filled the lives of many with joy in your music both young n old Thank You for sharing your talents with all of us, you knew the right words “we will always love you” your legacy will live on forever noone has done it like you RIP,” they wrote.
This story’s featured image is by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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