Dolly Parton Shares Special Message For Fans After Missing ACM Honors
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Dolly Parton has earned yet another incredible honor!
On Wednesday (August 19), the ACM Honors took place at The Pinnacle in Nashville. While the event wasn’t televised, plenty of country music’s biggest stars were in attendance.
This year’s show was hosted by Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum. Pearce returned for her sixth year as host, while McCollum joined her as co-host for the first time.
Unlike the ACM Awards, which primarily recognize achievements from the past year, ACM Honors celebrates artists and industry figures for their broader contributions and lasting impact on country music. The annual event recognizes recipients across a wide range of categories, including the Poet’s Award, International Award, Spirit Award, ACM Lifting Lives Award, and more.
Dolly Parton Honored With ACM Poet’s Award
On July 28, the Academy announced that Dolly Parton would be honored with the ACM Poet’s Award. However, due to health complications, the country music icon was unable to attend.
Dolly was expected to make an appearance at Dollywood on Friday (August 14) for the dedication of the theme park’s new NightFlight Expedition ride and a parade. A Dollywood spokesperson announced Thursday afternoon that she would no longer be attending the festivities.
The announcement was the latest in a series of canceled events for Dolly, who has experienced health struggles in recent months. Following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025, Dolly also canceled a series of Las Vegas shows, citing health concerns.
The Academy said Dolly is being recognized for her “extraordinary, decades-long impact as one of country music’s most gifted and influential songwriters.”
“Dolly Parton is receiving the ACM Poet’s Award in recognition of her extraordinary, decades-long impact as one of Country Music’s most gifted and influential songwriters. A 13-time ACM Award recipient, Parton’s relationship with the Academy spans generations. She has also hosted the ACM Awards three times, further cementing her place as one of the genre’s most beloved and enduring figures.”
Despite not being able to attend the big show, Dolly shared a special video message with fans.
“At my core, songwriting has always been the most important part of who I am creatively,” Dolly said.
Dolly explains in her message that of all the things she has done in life, songwriting is something that will always hold a special place in her heart.
“Songwriting has been my therapy, songwriting has been my release, my joy, songwriting has been a gift from God,” Dolly continued. “It has allowed me to touch people with words and music. So thank you God, and thank you fans around the world.”
You can watch Dolly Parton’s entire video message below.
Despite the travel restrictions, Parton confirmed that she is continuing to work on projects based in both Nashville and New York.
