Dolly Parton featured in pre-recorded video accepting Lifetime Achievement Award
Awards & Red Carpet

Dolly Parton Posthumously Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award in Pre-Recorded Video

The legendary 'Jolene' singer, who passed away on Aug. 25, expressed how 'so honored' she felt in footage captured before her death.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

Country music icon Dolly Parton was remembered in a deeply moving ceremony on Wednesday as a pre-taped video acceptance was broadcast during the presentation. The celebrated hitmaker posthumously accepted a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a poignant message directly to her peers and admirers. Parton passed away on Aug. 25, yet her presence resonated throughout the room as the special footage played for those in attendance. The emotional moment marked a highlight of Wednesday's event, bringing focus to an iconic career built on timeless songwriting and unforgettable performances. Best known for legendary tracks like "Jolene," the late superstar had arranged to record her words prior to her passing, ensuring her voice would still be heard when the honor was presented.

Did Dolly Parton record a message before her death In the pre-recorded footage created prior to her death in late August, the acclaimed artist reflected on the significance of the recognition. Reports confirm that Parton took time to film her thoughts in advance, creating a memorable broadcast for the ceremony. Her forward-thinking gesture gave fans and fellow musicians an opportunity to experience her characteristic warmth one last time. Addressing the audience through the video clip, the country legend shared her deep appreciation for the accolade. Parton stated in the broadcast that she felt "so honored" to be selected for the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. The heartfelt statement provided a powerful highlight for the evening's program.

Dolly Parton wearing a gold and blue embellished top, with her hands open and a bouquet of flowers next to her.
Dolly Parton posthumously received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americana Honors & Awards 2020 Wednesday. Americana Honors & Awards

When did Dolly Parton pass away Parton passed away on Aug. 25, marking the end of an extraordinary era in American music. However, her legacy took center stage during Wednesday's broadcast as her recorded remarks captivated everyone watching. Her posthumous acceptance highlighted decades of achievements that earned her a permanent place in music history. The special broadcast ensured that her storied career received a fitting tribute. By capturing her acceptance speech ahead of time, the "Jolene" singer delivered a final moment of connection with her audience, cementing the significance of her Lifetime Achievement Award.

The photos · 6

Dolly Parton featured in pre-recorded video accepting Lifetime Achievement Award
Dolly Parton posthumously received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americana Honors & Awards 2020 Wednesday. Americana Honors & Awards
The “Jolene” singer accepted the award in a video that was taken before her death. Americana Honors & Awards
“It’s a great honor, truly, and just know that I will always love you,” the country star said. Americana Honors & Awards
Parton’s longtime friend Emmylou Harris delivered touching remarks about the songwriter’s legacy.
“There was nothing Dolly couldn’t do, and so she did it,” Harris said Wednesday.

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The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Dolly Parton: The Career Behind '9 to 5'

From a television partnership she outgrows to a workplace anthem that crosses into pop, Parton builds a career on songwriting, screen roles and business decisions that sometimes draw fire.

  1. Porter Wagoner opens the national door

    Parton joins The Porter Wagoner Show, gaining a national television platform. Their recording partnership produces a run of country duets, while she continues building her own career as a singer and songwriter.

  2. A farewell becomes a signature song

    Parton releases the Jolene album, pairing its title song with I Will Always Love You. She writes the latter about her decision to leave Wagoner’s show and pursue her solo career; her regular run on the program ends that year.

  3. '9 to 5' takes her into the movies

    Parton makes her feature-film acting debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5, playing secretary Doralee Rhodes in a comedy about women taking on their sexist boss. She also writes and performs the title song, which reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and earns an Academy Award nomination.

  4. Whitney Houston brings her song to another audience

    Houston records I Will Always Love You for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Her version spends 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Parton’s songwriting a blockbuster second life nearly two decades after her original recording.

  5. She starts mailing children books

    Parton launches the Imagination Library in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee. The program sends free books to young children and later expands internationally, making childhood literacy a central part of her public work.

  6. Flashpoint

    'Dixie' comes off the sign

    The Dixie Stampede dinner attractions become Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Dropping the word draws backlash from opponents of the change and puts Parton’s business into the argument over Confederate associations in American entertainment.

  7. A research donation reaches beyond entertainment

    Parton donates $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research. The gift helps support work involved in developing Moderna’s vaccine, adding a public-health chapter to her philanthropy.

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People also ask

When did Dolly Parton pass away?
Dolly Parton passed away on Aug. 25.
How did Dolly Parton accept her Lifetime Achievement Award?
Dolly Parton accepted the award through a pre-recorded video clip filmed before her death, which was broadcast during the ceremony on Wednesday.