{
  "id": 10326318,
  "title": "Kacey Musgraves Honors Dolly Parton with “I Will Always Love You” at 2026 VMAs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/kacey-musgraves-honors-dolly-parton-with-i-will-always-love-you-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T00:48:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Consequence",
    "slug": "consequence",
    "url": "https://consequence.net/2026/09/kacey-musgraves-dolly-parton-tribute-2026-vmas/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton by performing a rendition of \"I Will Always Love You.\" The ceremony marked Musgraves' first appearance at the VMAs in five years, and her third VMAs nomination overall, securing a Best Country award for \"Dry Spell.\" The tribute commenced with archival footage of Parton, displaying her characteristic wit. She then transitioned to a more heartfelt message, wishing joy, happiness, and love. Musgraves harmonized with Parton's recorded voice as the video played, and the performance remained intimate, featuring a sparse arrangement of just a piano. Musgraves dressed in a sparkling red bodysuit, evoking Parton's iconic glamour, while her high-teased hair and makeup enhanced the tribute's visual impact. The performance underscored the solemnity of the moment, as Musgraves carried the song alone. Parton passed away on August 25th at 80 years old. Following her death, Musgraves paid tribute to Parton during a Boston concert and on social media, expressing her sorrow over Parton's passing.",
  "summary": "Musgraves harmonized with archival footage of Parton before taking over the song accompanied by a single piano. Kacey Musgraves Honors Dolly Parton with “I Will Always Love You” at 2026 VMAs Alex Krinsky",
  "key_points": [
    "Kacey Musgraves performed \"I Will Always Love You\" at 2026 VMAs",
    "Tribute paid to late Dolly Parton, who died August 25th at 80",
    "Musgraves' first VMAs appearance in five years, third nomination"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kacey Musgraves' poignant tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 VMAs cements her connection to the country music legend, underscoring her own artistic reverence and respect.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Pitchfork",
        "title": "Watch Kacey Musgraves Sing Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” at the 2026 VMAs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/watch-kacey-musgraves-sing-dolly-partons-i-will-always-love-you-at",
        "published": "2026-09-28T00:36:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Variety",
        "title": "Kacey Musgraves Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Dolly Parton With ‘I Will Always Love You’ Performance at MTV Video Music Awards",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/kacey-musgraves-pays-heartfelt-tribute-to-dolly-parton-with-i-will",
        "published": "2026-09-28T00:38:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Stereogum",
        "title": "VMAs 2026: Kacey Musgraves Honors Dolly Parton With “I Will Always Love You”",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/vmas-2026-kacey-musgraves-honors-dolly-parton-with-i-will-always-love",
        "published": "2026-09-28T00:38:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Rolling Stone",
        "title": "Kacey Musgraves Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton With ‘I Will Always Love You’ at MTV VMAs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/kacey-musgraves-pays-tribute-to-dolly-parton-with-i-will-always-love",
        "published": "2026-09-28T00:42:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hollywood Reporter",
        "title": "Dolly Parton Honored by Kacey Musgraves During Tribute Performance at 2026 MTV VMAs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/dolly-parton-honored-by-kacey-musgraves-during-tribute-performance-at",
        "published": "2026-09-28T01:03:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Billboard",
        "title": "Kacey Musgraves Honors Dolly Parton With a Heartfelt ‘I Will Always Love You’ at VMAs 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/kacey-musgraves-honors-dolly-parton-with-a-heartfelt-i-will-always",
        "published": "2026-09-28T01:09:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}