DOLLY PARTON’S DOVE AWARDS TRIBUTE LEFT THE AUDIENCE IN TEARS THEN AMY GRANT AND NATALIE GRANT SANG THE SONG THE WORLD WILL NEVER FORGET

The 2026 GMA Dove Awards became an emotional night of remembrance as Christian and Gospel music celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Dolly Parton. From a posthumous award for one of her final songwriting projects to a moving tribute featuring two beloved singers, the evening was filled with moments honoring Dolly’s music, faith and the lives she touched.

Held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on October 6, the ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in Christian and Gospel music. But for many viewers, one of the night’s most unforgettable moments came when Amy Grant and Natalie Grant joined their voices to honor Dolly.

And what happened during their performance made the tribute even more meaningful.

Dolly Parton Wins A Dove Award After Her Passing

Dolly received a posthumous GMA Dove Award for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year for “Broken Angels,” which she co-wrote with Jamie Johnson, lead singer of The Grascals.

The song explores addiction and recovery, a subject with deeply personal meaning for both writers. It became the last song Dolly co-wrote before her death on August 25, 2026.

During the pre-telecast, Sonya Isaacs joined The Grascals to perform the award-winning song in Dolly’s place, bringing its message to the audience while honoring the woman who helped create it.

The award was more than a musical achievement. It recognized Dolly’s willingness to use songwriting to explore painful experiences and offer hope to people facing difficult circumstances.

Amy Grant Struggles To Hold Back Tears While Remembering Dolly

One of the evening’s most emotional moments began when Amy Grant took the stage to share memories of Dolly and reflect on the influence of her faith.

Amy explained that Dolly’s faith was woven into everything she did. She also shared a thought that captured the special connection so many people felt with the country music legend: “It felt like Dolly belonged to all of us.”

As Amy spoke, the emotion of the moment became clear. Dolly had been a global superstar, but she had also made people feel as though they knew her personally through her songs, generosity and unmistakable warmth.

Then, as Amy’s remarks came to an end, a video of Dolly singing “How Great Thou Art” began playing.

Dolly’s Voice Filled The Room Again

As Dolly’s recorded performance played, Natalie Grant stepped in to sing the second verse and chorus. Amy then joined her, and the two singers brought the song to a powerful conclusion together.

The audience rose to its feet, with many people lifting their hands in worship as the tribute unfolded.

It was a beautiful meeting of past and present: Dolly’s own voice remained at the heart of the performance, while Amy and Natalie carried the song forward in her honor.

But the tribute was not over.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amy Grant (@amygrantofficial)

The two singers followed “How Great Thou Art” with another song closely associated with Dolly’s legacy: “I Will Always Love You.”

The beloved ballad gave the audience another opportunity to remember the singer and songwriter whose music had reached far beyond country radio.

For many fans, the combination of Dolly’s recorded voice, Amy’s heartfelt words and the two singers’ performances made this a particularly moving tribute.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gospel Music Association | Dove Awards (@gmadoveawards)

Dolly Parton’s Dove Awards Legacy

The posthumous honor added to Dolly’s remarkable history with the GMA Dove Awards. She had previously won for “God Only Knows,” her collaboration with For King & Country, which received Short Form Video of the Year in 2020.

She also won Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year for “In the Sweet By and By” in 2022 and “Lookin’ for You,” her collaboration with Zach Williams, in 2024.

One of her most memorable appearances at the Dove Awards came in 1990, when she performed “He’s Alive” alongside the Christ Church Choir. The powerful song celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and remains a standout moment in her history with the ceremony.

Decades later, Dolly’s connection to Christian music continues through her songs, collaborations and the faith she openly shared throughout her career.

The 2026 Dove Awards paid tribute to all of that — from the message of hope in “Broken Angels” to the spiritual power of “How Great Thou Art” and the enduring love expressed in “I Will Always Love You.”

Dolly Parton may no longer be here to accept the applause, but her music continues to bring people together. And on this emotional night in Nashville, her voice reminded everyone why her legacy will never be forgotten.