Dolly appears from beyond

Attendees at the Americana Music Honors & Awards in Nashville were shocked Wednesday when Dolly Parton appeared on screen to accept a lifetime achievement award, weeks after her death in August.

She knew it was coming

Parton was notified she was winning the award before her death and pre-recorded a video to accept it, expecting to miss the ceremony.

Roots music shaped her life

In the video, Parton spoke about growing up playing roots music in the Smoky Mountains and how it drew her back to East Tennessee in 1997 to record her album 'Hungry Again.'

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

A musical renaissance

Parton described how bluegrass and acoustic albums opened doors to new fans and Americana music communities, calling it a renaissance that changed her career.

“this era of my career as a musical renaissance of sorts”

Her final words to fans

Parton ended the video by thanking the Americana Music Association and saying 'I will always love you,' her signature phrase that became her parting message.

“I will always love you”

Nashville honors her memory

The ceremony at Ryman Auditorium featured Emmylou Harris delivering remarks about Parton's legacy, followed by Brandi Carlile and I'm With Her performing 'Coat of Many Colors.'