Dolly Parton Receives Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award

Country music legend Dolly Parton will be honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for September 16 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, and Parton will accept the award via video link.

The award recognizes her six‑decade career that has shaped American roots music through iconic songs such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Coat of Many Colors.” Americana Music Association executive director Jed Hilly praised Parton’s “extraordinary accomplishments” and her role as a “definitive songwriter and artist whose songs have shaped generations.” Previous recipients include Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson.