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Dolly Parton received one more standing ovation from Nashville this week, with the late country music legend accepting a major honor through a video recorded before her death.
Parton was posthumously presented with the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 16. She died on Aug. 25.
The ceremony honored Parton alongside Robert Plant and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers for their contributions to American roots music.
Before Parton's recorded message was shown, longtime friend Emmylou Harris delivered an emotional tribute to her career and legacy. Harris recalled how Parton established herself as a performer and songwriter while refusing to remain in anyone else's shadow.
"She was one of our all-time greatest songwriters, but she shined just as brightly on stage," Harris said, also highlighting Parton's success in television and film.
Harris went on to recognize Parton's work beyond music, including Dollywood, the Imagination Library and her charitable efforts. She also reflected on the influence Parton had on other artists and ordinary people through both her music and example.
Parton's pre-recorded message then appeared on screen, with the singer reflecting on the roots of her career and the role Americana music played in it.
"Well hey, it's Dolly. I'm honored to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association," she began. ''I mean, roots music, or what is now called Americana music, is what I grew up playing back in the Smoky Mountains," Parton continued. "It's that same music that drew me back to East Tennessee in 1997 to write and record my album, Hungry Again. And that project really opened the door to a series of bluegrass and acoustic albums that changed the course of my career in so many ways.''
"Now, new fans discovered these albums, new Americana music communities embraced them," Parton said, describing that period as "a musical renaissance of sorts."
She ended the message with a heartfelt thank-you to the organization and those watching. "It's a great honor truly, and just know that I will always love you," Parton said.
The tribute continued with Brandi Carlile and I'm With Her performing Parton's beloved song "Coat of Many Colors."
