Dolly Parton received the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously at the Americana Honors & Awards on September 16 in Nashville, Tennessee. In a touching video recorded before her death, the late country music legend shared a final, emotional message.
The world was shocked when Dolly Parton died in August at age 80 after receiving a cancer diagnosis. The country legend, known for hits such as Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Here You Come Again, was mourned worldwide and has since been praised by everyone from young children to current and former U.S. Presidents.
On Wednesday, during the Americana Honors & Awards, Dolly Parton was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The late singer was originally meant to receive the award in her absence, but it ultimately became a posthumous tribute.
Per Variety, “a gasp went up from the crowd at the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night when the lights went down midway through the ceremony and Parton appeared on a big screen to accept the award.”
However, before that, singer and Dolly’s longtime friend Emmylou Harris took the stage to pay tribute to Parton’s incredible life and career.
Harris recalled how Parton got her big break in 1967 when she joined Porter Wagoner’s show as his “girl singer.” Their duets quickly became popular, but Harris made it clear that Parton was never meant to stay in anyone’s shadow.
“She wanted more, and she deserved more,” Harris said, adding that Parton always went after her dreams on her own terms.
Dolly Parton honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Harris also praised Parton’s talents as a songwriter and performer, noting how she could captivate audiences both on stage and on screen.
“She was one of our all-time greatest songwriters,” Harris said. “But she shined just as brightly on stage.”
From music to television and movies, Parton seemed to do it all, and did so with more than anyone expected, or thought was possible. Emmylou Harris also highlighted the singer’s work away from the spotlight, including her Imagination Library program and Dollywood.
She then shared one of Parton’s most famous sayings: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
Parton didn’t just show people the path she had taken; she also encouraged others to create their own. Fans remember Parton for her philanthropy, kindness, and, of course, wonderful music, and Emmylou Harris shared her belief that the late Country legend’s influence will live on forever.
“She’s sprinkling those rhinestones along the path and reminding us as we walk to be on the lookout for ways to dream more, learn more, care more, and be more for ourselves and for each other,” Harris concluded.
Dolly Parton shares touching message in posthumous video
Dolly Parton appeared on the big screen in the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, where she addressed the crowd.
“Well, hey, it’s Dolly. I’m honored to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association,” Dolly Parton began her speech. “I mean, roots music, or what is now called Americana music, is what I grew up playing back in the Smoky Mountains.”
“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.”
Dolly Parton concluded her touching message, which would be her last one to the world, “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 recognizing me with this award. It’s a great honor, truly, and just know that I will always love you.”
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton, and thank you for all the wonderful music you gave us. Please share your best memories or favorite Dolly song in the comments.
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