Overview
- Kacey Musgraves honored Dolly Parton at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 27, with a piano-backed cover of “I Will Always Love You” that opened with vintage footage of Parton singing.
- Multiple outlets report the VMAs segment was pre-recorded in Los Angeles because Musgraves had a Middle of Nowhere Tour date at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena the same night.
- The performance earned immediate praise on broadcast from host Snoop Dogg and widespread emotional reactions on social media, with many viewers saying the tribute left them in tears.
- Musgraves has repeatedly paid public tribute to Parton since the singer’s death on Aug. 25, covering songs on several tour stops and recalling their past stage moments together.
- The VMAs moment is part of a larger wave of high-profile remembrances and planned legacy programming surrounding Parton’s death, with projects and televised specials expected to continue honoring her music and philanthropy.