There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Kacey Musgraves performed a soulful tribute to the late Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV Music Video Awards.
The “Architect” singer, 38, took to the stage on Sunday, September 27, for a beautiful cover of “I Will Always Love You,” wearing a fuchsia crystal gown with a plunging neckline and a feather trim by Miron, in honor of the late Parton.
MTV integrated archival footage of Parton singing her signature ballad to make it appear as if Musgraves was duetting with the country music icon.
Us learned that Musgraves actually prerecorded her tribute to Parton in Los Angeles earlier this week because she has a Middle of Nowhere Tour date at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sunday.
“Wow, now that’s how you honor a legend,” VMA host Snoop Dogg told viewers after the performance.
The memorial segment began with an archival clip of Parton on stage, offering some words of wisdom to the men in the audience.
“I’d like to leave you fellas with a bit of advice,” she began. “Don’t criticize your wife’s judgment; after all, she picked you!”
Musgrave’s salute to Parton aired just over one month after the legendary country star’s family announced her death at age 80 on August 25.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” her family said in a statement at the time. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
Their statement concluded, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Hours later, Parton’s spokesperson confirmed that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee had died following a “brief battle with cancer.”
Tributes poured in from throughout the entertainment community — with Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston and even President Donald Trump reflecting on Parton’s legacy. Parton’s long-time friend Reba McEntire covered her 1983 hit “Appalachian Memories” for a solemn memorial segment at the Emmy Awards 2026 on September 14.
Musgraves initially tweeted that “the world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden” in the wake of Parton’s death on August 25.
“So glad she’s with her [late husband] Carl Dean. No one talk to me today,” Musgraves added. “I’m really okay if my feed never goes back to normal. It’s not doom-scrolling it’s Dolly-scrolling.”
The eight-time Grammy winner has since honored Parton at several of her Middle of Nowhere Tour stops, admitting to fans at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on August 31 that she is “never going to be over” the icon’s death.
“The world definitely lost a light, and it’s hard for me to talk about,” she explained. “I know how much Dolly meant to everybody also in this room. I think why it feels so dark is it’s already hard to navigate these times right now, and then we lose a matriarch like that. It’s the closest thing we’ve ever had to royalty.”
The MTV Video Music Awards 2026 aired live on MTV, CBS and Paramount+ from the Peacock Theater on Sunday. A replay of the ceremony will be available on Monday, September 28, on Paramount+.
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