Kacey Musgraves Performed Dolly Parton Tribute at VMAs
The performance honored the legendary singer-songwriter following her death at age 80.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Country
Kacey Musgraves led a special tribute at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards to celebrate the life and career of the late Dolly Parton. The performance featured a rendition of the classic song 'I Will Always Love You' in honor of the iconic musician.
Why it matters
The tribute was organized following the request of the VMA producers to celebrate Parton's immense cultural impact. Parton left behind a monumental legacy, having written more than 3,000 songs over the course of her storied career.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a career spanning decades. Throughout her life, the legendary artist penned over 3,000 original songs.
The players
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her multi-genre influence in country music.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was a legendary country singer, songwriter, and philanthropist who became a global cultural icon.
The details
Kacey Musgraves, who recently released her seventh studio album, Middle of Nowhere, took the stage at the VMAs to lead the musical tribute. The performance served as a poignant centerpiece for the awards ceremony, recognizing the extensive songwriting contributions of Parton.
Timeline
Kacey Musgraves released her seventh studio album, Middle of Nowhere, in May 2026.
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026.
Kacey Musgraves performed the tribute at the VMAs in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The tribute follows the established tradition of using the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards as a platform for major cultural recognition. Such performances underscore how major music ceremonies pivot to address significant cultural losses in real-time.
Fans can view the tribute performance via the official MTV Video Music Awards streaming archives and digital platforms. This access allows audiences to revisit the musical segment as part of the broader coverage of the awards show.
The takeaway
The performance highlights the enduring influence of songwriting legends on contemporary artists. Listeners can explore the extensive catalogs of foundational country artists to better understand the roots of modern hits.
Further reading
Learn more about the genre's latest news in the Country section.
