Dolly Parton Unable to Attend ACM Honors, Receives Prestigious Poet’s Award Through Video
By Website Content Manager
She explained that writing songs has always been a source of comfort, an emotional outlet, and something that brings her happiness.
Dolly Parton was recognized with the ACM Poet’s Award on Wednesday, Aug. 20, celebrating her remarkable impact on country music and her enduring legacy as a songwriter.
Unable to attend the ACM Honors ceremony in person, Parton accepted the distinguished award remotely through a heartfelt video message.
In her message, Parton expressed her gratitude to the Academy of Country Music and reflected on the central role songwriting has played throughout her life. She explained that while she has accomplished many things over the years, creating music has always remained at the heart of her artistic identity. According to Parton, many of the hopes and achievements she experienced began with a song.
The country music icon also described songwriting as a deeply personal source of comfort and happiness. She said it has served as an emotional outlet and a blessing that has given her the opportunity to connect with audiences through both music and lyrics. Parton went on to thank God, her fans around the world, and the ACM for recognizing her with the special honor.
Before the award was presented, ACM Honors hosts Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum paid tribute to Parton with a special musical performance. The two artists performed “Islands in the Stream,” the beloved duet famously recorded by Parton and Kenny Rogers. Pearce later joined Kaitlin Butts and Carter Faith to perform Parton’s classic hit “9 to 5.”
The ACM Poet’s Award honors Dolly Parton’s enduring influence on country music and her remarkable legacy as a songwriter. A 13-time ACM Award recipient and three-time host of the ACM Awards, Parton has spent decades transforming her personal experiences, emotions, faith, heartbreak, and everyday moments into memorable songs that have helped shape the country music genre.