The 2026 VMAs just locked in its most emotional moment. Kacey Musgraves will perform a tribute to Dolly Parton during the show, honoring the country legend who died Aug. 25 at age 80. It marks Kacey’s second VMAs performance, following her 2021 rendition of“Star-Crossed,”and it continues a tribute tradition she’s carried before at the 2016 CMAs and the 2019 Grammys.
The timing makes it land even harder. Dolly Parton never performed at the VMAs, despite dominating the MTV era with her larger-than-life presence. That absence has been pointed out for years, and now the show is making room for her legacy in a major way. The ceremony airs Sunday, Sept. 27 on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Madonna opening and Snoop Dogg hosting.
It’s not just a Dolly night. RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims are teaming up for a George Michael tribute, and Nirvana will receive the video vanguard award. Between the tributes and the legends, this could be one of the most memorable VMAs in years. So we have to ask: which Dolly Parton song do you hope Kacey performs? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.