Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Dolly Parton during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, performing Parton's classic song 'I Will Always Love You.'
According to Variety, the pre-taped performance opened with footage of Parton introducing the 1974 song, saying, "I'd like to leave you fellas..." The tribute came about a month after Parton's death, according to Variety.
Rolling Stone reported the performance marked Musgraves' first appearance at the VMAs in five years.
According to the New York Post, Musgraves wore an outfit featuring pink sequins, feathers and large hair for the performance.
How each side covered it
Left
- Left-leaning outlets reported Kacey Musgraves performed 'I Will Always Love You' as a tribute to Dolly Parton.
- Rolling Stone noted it was Musgraves' first VMAs performance in five years.
- Variety detailed that the performance began with footage of Parton introducing the song and occurred about a month after her death.
“Kacey Musgraves led a touching tribute to Dolly Parton at the MTV Video Music Awards 2026, honoring the late country icon just a month after her death with a rendition of "I Will Always Love You."” — Variety
Center
- Billboard reported the performance opened with an old video of Parton offering words of encouragement.
“The performance kicked off with an old video of the late country icon sharing words of encouragement.” — Billboard
Right
- The New York Post focused on Musgraves' outfit, describing pink sequins, feathers and large hair.
“It's a look that would have made the late icon proud.” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened at the 2026 MTV VMAs involving Dolly Parton?
Kacey Musgraves performed a tribute to the late Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, singing Parton's song 'I Will Always Love You.'
When did Dolly Parton die relative to the VMAs tribute?
According to Variety, the tribute occurred about a month after Parton's death, though the exact date of her death was not specified in the reports.
Was this Kacey Musgraves' first VMAs appearance?
No, but according to Rolling Stone, it was Musgraves' first performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in five years.
What did the performance look like?
Variety reported the pre-taped performance began with footage of Dolly Parton introducing the 1974 song, and the New York Post described Musgraves' outfit as featuring pink sequins, feathers and large hair.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningMadonna kicks off the 2026 MTV VMAs, Kacey Musgraves pays tribute to Dolly Parton
- Rolling StoneLeft-leaningKacey Musgraves Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton With ‘I Will Always Love You’ at MTV VMAs
- The Hollywood ReporterLeft-leaningDolly Parton Honored by Kacey Musgraves During Tribute Performance at 2026 MTV VMAs
- The IndependentLeft-leaningDolly Parton fans left in tears after country star’s VMAs tribute: ‘Perfect choice’
- VarietyLeft-leaningKacey Musgraves Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Dolly Parton With ‘I Will Always Love You’ Performance at MTV Video Music Awards
- BillboardCenterKacey Musgraves Honors Dolly Parton With a Heartfelt ‘I Will Always Love You’ at VMAs 2026
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningKacey Musgraves Leads VMAs Tribute to Parton
- New York PostRight-leaningKacey Musgraves honors Dolly Parton with emotional performance of ‘I Will Always Love You’ at VMAs 2026