Shortly Before She Died, Dolly Parton Recorded A Special Message For Music Teachers
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The Country Music Association celebrated the tenth anniversary of the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence on Wednesday (October 7).
Ten years ago, the CMA Foundation, which is the CMA’s philanthropic arm, created Music Teachers of Excellence. This was created as a way to recognize incredible music teachers around the country who go above and beyond for their students.
The Class of 2026 includes 30 “extraordinary teachers across 12 states who are using the power of music to transform lives.”
Each teacher was honored at the red carpet event on Wednesday, where they were celebrated after being selected through an application process that
Each teacher chosen received $5,000 to “split evenly between personal use and their classroom or program.” Honorees have told the CMA Foundation that they will “direct their stipends toward new instruments, recording equipment, sheet music, guest composers, after-school clubs, and student scholarships.”
Zac Brown, David Phelps, Sierra Hull, Carrie Manolakos, Markus King, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band were all announced as performers at the celebration, which took place at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.
Zac Brown Introduces A Surprise Message From Dolly Parton
To start off the ceremony, Zac Brown took the stage to introduce a surprise, special message from the late Dolly Parton.
Zac Brown introduced the clip, saying, “Not long before we lost her, Dolly recorded a special message for the teachers in this room. She took the time to speak directly to you, and I can’t think of a better way to begin this night.”
He then spoke about Dolly’s legacy:
“When I think about legacy, I think about what we create, but even more than that, I think about what we give away. This is how life continues to reach people long after a single moment has passed. Few people understood that better than Dolly Parton. Dolly gave the world extraordinary songs, but her legacy reaches far beyond music. She gave people hope, she believed in children and she used everything she built to create opportunities for others.”
Dolly Parton appeared on the screen, looking incredible as always. It’s hard to believe she was likely sick when she filmed this video.
“Well hey there!” Dolly said her her signature chipper Dolly voice. “I am so happy to welcome you to Nashville as the CMA Foundation celebrates 10 years of Music Teachers of Excellence. Now, I’m excited that you’re all staying at my new Songteller Hotel and I’m thrilled that you’re getting to see my Life Of Many Colors Museum.”
She continued, “I’ve always believed that music brings people together but none of that happens without dedicated teaches who encourage and inspire and bleieve in the next generation. And that’s why we’re celebrating tonight. And to every music teacher of excellence, I want to thank you for your passion, patience, and care that you give your students each day. Congratulations on this incredible milestone and keep making beautiful music together!”
Fans loved seeing Dolly on screen, showing just how deeply she is missed.
“Wasn’t planning to have tears in my eyes at 7:45am, but here we are. 🦋,” one fan commented on the video.
“Dolly, we miss you 😘 🦋🩷! My tear ducts been working over time 🥲 Rest easy beautiful Dolly,” wrote another.
“We are SO blessed to have lived in the eras of @dollyparton 🥹🩵🦋,” said a third.
Watch her message below.
Zac Performed His Duet With Dolly
After her message played on screen, Brown performed a song he and his band originally released in 2025 with the late country legend, “Butterfly.”
Zac sang his parts live, while he performed with a recording of Dolly singing hers. It is truly a testament that her legacy will live on in her music, her philanthropy, and her story.
Watch the incredible performance below.
