Dolly Parton Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award at CMA Awards

Parton is the fourth recipient of the honor, following Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson, himself.

Written by Laura Hostelley
Dolly Parton Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award at CMA Awards
Photo via @soundslikenashville on Instagram

The 50th Annual CMA Awards laid out their best to honor country music living legend, Dolly Parton, by presenting her with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Dolly Parton is country music, pure and simple,” Parton’s friend Lily Tomlin said of the Country Music Hall of Famer. “Dolly helped build Nashville… Dolly really is a force of nature and one of the greatest artists in the history of country music.”

Jennifer Nettles, joined by Penatonix, performed an a cappella rendition of “Jolene,” followed by Reba gracing the stage with “9 to 5.” Kacey Musgraves honored her idol with “Here You Come Again,” before Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Nettles and Reba united with her on stage for a heart-tugging performance of “I Will Always Love You.”

“Thanks to all of these beautiful girlfriends of mine and congratulations to all the winners tonight. Wow what a tribute wow this was so touching. I would have cried but I didn’t want to mess up my eyelashes,” the queen of country said to the adoring crowd. “This is such a great compliment it’s a wonderful wonderful night for me. Thank you for all of that and of course now for me to be receiving the Willie Nelson award this is an absolute ‘high’ for me. They tell me to hurry it up because they’re behind, but we’re talking about a lifetime here. I had a big speech but they won’t let me give it. Thank you so much for this wonderful award.”

Parton is the fourth recipient of the honor, following Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson, himself.