New video shows late Dolly Parton’s delight at lifetime achievement award
A video message from Dolly Parton recorded before her death was played at the ceremony (Yui Mok/PA) PA Archive Sean O'Grady 5 minutes ago A video message from Dolly Parton recorded before her death was played at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville on Wednesday.
The singer, who died in August at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, was posthumously awarded the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Music Association, which runs the event.
Parton said in the video: “Well, hey, it’s Dolly. I’m honoured to be receiving a 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.
The late Dolly Parton’s video was played at the ceremony (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Archive “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, and now looking back at it all, I see this era of my career as a musical renaissance of sorts.
“I want to thank everyone at the AMA for recognising me with this award. It’s a great honour truly and just know that I will always love you.”
A video of Parton accepting the award played, followed by a performance of Parton’s song Coat Of Many Colors by Brandi Carlile and the band, I’m With Her.
Before Parton’s video message was played, her friend and fellow singer Emmylou Harris delivered opening remarks about the country star’s legacy.
She said: “In 1967, Dolly got a good start on her big dream when she landed a gig as the girl singer with Porter Wagoner.
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