Dolly honored after her death

The Americana Music Association released a pre-recorded video from Dolly Parton accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Americana Honors and Awards ceremony.

Video recorded before her passing

Parton died in August at age 80 following a private battle with cancer. The video message was submitted as part of her award acceptance.

Her bluegrass renaissance

In the video, Parton reflected on returning to East Tennessee in 1997 to record 'Hungry Again,' which sparked a series of bluegrass and acoustic albums that transformed her career.

“It's that same music that drew me back to East Tennessee back in 1997 to write and record my album, 'Hungry Again.'”

Roots music shaped her path

Parton described Americana music as what she grew up playing in the Smoky Mountains, and how it drew her back to her roots decades later.

“Roots music, or what is now called Americana music, is what I grew up playing back in the Smoky Mountains.”

New fans embraced the albums

Parton noted that new fans discovered her bluegrass albums and Americana music communities embraced them, creating what she called a musical renaissance.

“Now, new fans discovered these albums, new Americana music communities embraced them.”

Legendary company in the award

Parton joins Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, and Willie Nelson among artists honored with the Americana Music Association's lifetime achievement award.