Dolly Parton Honored Posthumously at Americana Awards

Dolly Parton was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Americana Awards and Honors ceremony, which took place on Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Her acceptance was conveyed through a pre-taped video message, delivered after an emotional introduction by Emmylou Harris.

In her recorded message, Parton expressed gratitude, noting how Americana music, or "roots music," was fundamental to her upbringing in the Smoky Mountains. She recalled how this genre inspired her 1997 album "Hungry Again" and subsequent bluegrass and acoustic projects, marking a significant creative period.

Following Parton's tribute, artists Brandi Carlile and I'm With Her performed. Carlile, who has been honoring Parton on her Human tour, recently played several of Parton's iconic songs in Nashville. Carlile also shared her admiration for Parton's consistent message of love and acceptance, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, through an Instagram post.