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Dolly Parton posthumously receives Americana Lifetime Achievement Award
Country music legend Dolly Parton was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Americana Music Honors & Awards. The ceremony, held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, featured a pre-recorded video message from Parton, which she had filmed prior to her death on August 25 following a battle with cancer.
In her recorded remarks, Parton reflected on her musical roots in the Smoky Mountains and the impact of her 1997 album, ‘Hungry Again,’ which she described as the start of a musical renaissance in her career. She concluded her message with a tribute to her fans, stating, ‘Just know that I will always love you.’
Longtime friend Emmylou Harris delivered an emotional tribute to Parton before the video played, praising her songwriting and stage presence. The event also included musical tributes, such as a performance of ‘Coat of Many Colors’ by Brandi Carlile and the trio I’m With Her.
Entities
Americana Music Association · Brandi Carlile · Dolly Parton · Emmylou Harris · Ryman Auditorium