Kacey Musgraves Honored Dolly Parton at the VMAs, Singing Along With Dolly’s Own Voice Before Finishing “I Will Always Love You” Alone.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards delivered plenty of big moments, but one of the most emotional came when Kacey Musgraves stepped onto the stage to honor a country music legend who had inspired generations.

Just one month after Dolly Parton’s passing at age 80, Musgraves transformed the VMA stage into a heartfelt tribute, performing one of Dolly’s most beloved songs: “I Will Always Love You.”

The 2026 VMAs took place Sunday, September 27, at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, bringing together artists from across the music world to celebrate the year’s biggest music videos. Country music had a strong presence throughout the nominations, with Ella Langley, Shaboozey and newcomer Stella Lefty among those receiving multiple nods.

But for many country fans watching, it was Musgraves’ tribute to Dolly that became one of the night’s most memorable moments.

A Tribute Worthy of Dolly

When news of Dolly’s death broke, Musgraves shared a heartbreaking message online, writing, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”

That sentiment seemed to follow her onto the VMA stage.

Dressed in a dazzling magenta rhinestone gown that felt like a fitting nod to Dolly’s unmistakable sense of style, Musgraves took the microphone and began singing “I Will Always Love You.”

The song carried an especially powerful meaning. Originally written and recorded by Dolly, it became one of the most recognized songs in music history and remains closely connected to her legacy.

But Musgraves’ performance had another emotional element.

As she sang, an archival clip of Dolly Parton from the 1980s appeared, with Dolly herself speaking the lyrics to the song. When the chorus arrived, Musgraves joined in, creating a striking musical moment that brought Dolly’s younger voice together with Musgraves’ performance decades later.

It felt less like a traditional awards-show performance and more like a conversation between generations.

A Moment Country Music Won’t Forget

For Musgraves, the performance also marked her first MTV VMAs appearance since 2021, making her return to the stage even more significant.

Rather than simply performing a hit, she used the opportunity to honor the woman who helped pave the way for countless artists who followed her.

And there was something particularly fitting about hearing “I Will Always Love You” fill the VMA stage after Dolly’s passing.

Dolly’s music has crossed generations, genres and borders, and Musgraves’ tribute showed just how deeply that legacy continues to resonate.

The sparkling gown, the familiar lyrics, the archival footage and Musgraves’ emotional vocals all came together for a performance that felt both nostalgic and deeply personal.

Dolly may be gone, but moments like this are a reminder that her voice, her songs and her influence are still very much alive. 

Watch Kacey Musgraves’ emotional performance of “I Will Always Love You” in honor of Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV VMAs.