Kacey Musgraves leaves the 2026 VMAs audience in tears with emotional Dolly Parton tribute performance

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026.

Kacey Musgraves brought the 2026 VMAs to a standstill with a tribute to Dolly Parton, who died on 25 August aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer. The 38-year-old country star performed Parton's iconic 1974 track 'I Will Always Love You', opening with archival footage of Parton herself before Musgraves joined in live. Host Snoop Dogg was visibly moved, telling the crowd: 'That's how you honour a legend — we love you, Dolly.'

Musgraves took to the stage in a fuchsia feather-cuffed gown, styling her hair to channel Parton's iconic look.

Fans watching on social media were overwhelmed, with one posting: 'Kacey Musgraves Dolly tribute making me tear up omg — that was everything.'

Musgraves and Parton had previously shared a stage at the 2019 Grammy Awards, performing Parton's 1977 hit 'Here You Come Again' alongside Katy Perry.