Dolly Parton accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americana Honors&Awards on September 12, and it happened in the most Dolly way possible: through a pre-recorded video filmed before her death last month. The ceremony took place at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, where the video was originally meant as an in-absentia acceptance. Instead, it became her final public moment, with Parton thanking the Americana Music Association and crediting her 1997 album Hungry Again for shaping her roots-driven career renaissance.
The tribute that followed brought the room to its feet. Emmylou Harris introduced the segment before Brandi Carlile and I’m with Her performed“Coat of Many Colors,”a song that has meant something different to every generation of fans. The tributes didn’t stop at the Ryman either, with Kacey Musgraves, Jack White, and Olivia Rodrigo all recently honoring Parton’s legacy in their own performances.
Then came the news out of Nashville that sealed it: the city’s airport board voted to rename Nashville International Airport in her honor. For a woman who spent her life telling the world where she came from, having her name on the way into Music City feels exactly right.
What’s your favorite Dolly Parton memory or song? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
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