Kacey Musgraves Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton at 2026 VMAs
Kacey Musgraves performed “I Will Always Love You” during the 2026 MTV VMAs as a tribute to Dolly Parton, who died in August at age 80. Musgraves has also covered Parton’s songs on her Middle of Nowhere tour, including “Here You Come Again” and “9 to 5.” She is nominated for Best Country Music Video for “Dry Spell.”
At the 2026 MTV VMAs, Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton, the country legend who passed away in August at 80, with a rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” The performance followed several Parton covers on Musgraves’ Middle of Nowhere tour, including “Here You Come Again” in Boston and “9 to 5” at Madison Square Garden.
Musgraves is also a 2026 nominee for Best Country Music Video, recognized for “Dry Spell.” Though she has yet to win a VMA, she previously earned two nominations for 2022’s Star Crossed: The Film, in Best Longform Video and Best Art Direction.
The tribute may resonate with country and pop audiences who grew up with Parton’s music, offering a shared moment of remembrance during a major awards show. For Musgraves, the performance could strengthen her connection to Parton’s legacy and draw new attention to her Middle of Nowhere tour and “Dry Spell” nomination. It may also remind viewers how televised tributes can shape public mourning and introduce classic songs to younger fans.