Kacey Musgraves Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional VMA Tribute.
Kacey Musgraves performed 'I Will Always Love You' at the 2026 MTV VMAs Sunday, paying tribute to Dolly Parton a month after her death.
- Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a private cancer battle.
- The performance was pre-taped; Musgraves was performing in Nashville that night.
- Host Snoop Dogg said after the tribute: 'That's how you honor a legend — we love you, Dolly.'
- Musgraves and Parton previously shared a stage at the 2019 Grammys.
Why it matters: The VMAs tribute was among the first major televised honors for Parton since her August death.
- Country acts are rare at the VMAs, which added a Best Country category only in 2025.
- Cities across the country had already observed Dolly Day on Sept. 25, with Nashville painting crosswalks pink and lighting up in pink fireworks.
How 10 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center covers the tribute as a polished, crowd-pleasing awards moment, focusing on the staging details, Snoop Dogg's praise, and the song's chart history.
Left coverage, 4 sources: The left frames the tribute as a meaningful cultural moment, emphasizing Musgraves' personal grief and Parton's broader significance as a matriarch and source of light in difficult times.
Variety2hKacey Musgraves Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton With MTV VMAs Performance
Rolling Stone2hKacey Musgraves Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton With ‘I Will Always Love You’ at MTV VMAs
Hollywood Reporter2hDolly Parton Honored by Kacey Musgraves During Tribute Performance at 2026 MTV VMAs
The Independent2hDolly Parton fans left in tears after country star’s VMAs tribute: ‘Perfect choice’Right coverage, 2 sources: The right presents the tribute as a warmhearted celebration of a beloved country icon, highlighting Parton's words of encouragement and the seamless handoff between the two artists.
What’s next: Musgraves is nominated for Best Country at the VMAs for 'Dry Spell.'
- Her Middle of Nowhere tour continues; she has covered Parton songs at multiple stops.
- Whether a larger, dedicated awards-show tribute to Parton is planned by the Grammys or other major ceremonies.
- How the music industry will formally recognize Parton's catalog and legacy in the months ahead.