Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with a moving performance of “I Will Always Love You.”
The country singer took the stage at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Sunday, Sept. 27, honoring Parton’s lasting influence on country music and generations of artists.
The tribute was announced ahead of the ceremony by CBS and MTV. It also marked Musgraves’ return to the VMAs stage for her first performance at the show in five years.
Kacey Musgraves pays tribute to Dolly Parton at the VMAs
Musgraves performed Parton’s famous song as archival footage of the late country icon appeared during the tribute.
The performance connected Musgraves directly with Parton’s own recording history. “I Will Always Love You” was written and recorded by Parton and later became internationally famous through Whitney Houston’s version.
Musgraves delivered her rendition in front of the VMAs audience while imagery associated with Parton’s legacy appeared on screen.
The moment also carried personal meaning for Musgraves, who has spoken publicly over the years about Parton’s influence on her music and career.
Snoop Dogg praises the tribute
After Musgraves finished the performance, VMAs host Snoop Dogg took the stage.
He praised the tribute and encouraged the audience to show their appreciation for Parton. His remarks brought the performance to a close with a large response from the crowd.
The tribute was one of the evening’s moments dedicated to remembering Parton following her death in August.
Dolly Parton died at 80 in August
Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, at the age of 80.
Her representatives said she had faced a brief battle with cancer. The statement announcing her death said Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
Parton’s career stretched across music, film and television. She was also widely known for her philanthropic work, including her literacy initiative, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Her death prompted tributes from musicians, actors and other public figures.
Musgraves had previously honored Parton through her music
The 2026 VMAs performance was not Musgraves’ first public tribute to Parton.
Following Parton’s death, Musgraves incorporated Parton’s music into performances on her tour. She performed “Here You Come Again” during a Boston show and “9 to 5” at Madison Square Garden, according to Pitchfork.
Musgraves also has a history of performing with Parton. In 2019, she joined Maren Morris for a performance of “9 to 5” at the Grammy Awards, with Parton also part of the night’s celebration of country music.
That long connection made Musgraves’ appearance at the 2026 VMAs especially fitting as artists continued to celebrate Parton’s legacy.
Dolly Parton’s influence continues across awards season
The VMAs tribute came shortly after another major tribute to Parton at the 2026 Emmy Awards.
At the Emmys on Sept. 14, Reba McEntire performed Parton’s “Appalachian Memories.” Sally Field, who appeared with Parton in Steel Magnolias, also spoke about her longtime affection for the country star.
Parton’s influence was also acknowledged during the 2026 VMAs by other stars.
Taylor Swift referenced Parton while accepting an award, describing audiences as fortunate to have shared the world with her.
Together, the tributes show how Parton’s work continues to resonate across country music, pop culture, television and film.
Kacey Musgraves also received a 2026 VMA nomination
Musgraves was not only part of the ceremony as a performer.
She was also nominated in the Best Country category for her “Dry Spell” music video. The nomination marked another appearance by the singer during an important year in her career.
Her Dolly Parton tribute therefore became one of the night’s notable musical moments while also connecting two generations of country artists.
Why “I Will Always Love You” was a fitting tribute
“I Will Always Love You” remains one of Parton’s most recognized compositions.
Parton originally wrote and recorded the song in the 1970s. Whitney Houston later transformed it into a global pop hit with her 1992 recording for The Bodyguard.
By choosing the song for the 2026 VMAs, Musgraves highlighted one of the works most closely associated with Parton’s songwriting legacy.
The performance also gave the ceremony an opportunity to celebrate Parton through her own music rather than simply remembering her through archival footage or spoken tributes.