Dolly Parton posthumously accepts a lifetime achievement award in a video message released at the Americana Honors & Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. In the recording, Parton says, “Just know that I will always love you,” and the event includes a performance of her song “Coat of Many Colors,” covered by Brandi Carlile.
Variety reports that some attendees initially expected the award to be announced or arranged shortly after her death. Instead, the ceremony features a newly released video Parton recorded before she died, indicating the message was prepared in advance. Billboard similarly describes Parton’s video appearance at the same ceremony and the Carlile cover, while emphasizing the posthumous nature of the honor and the timing “weeks after death.”
Across coverage, the core details match: the award is tied to the Americana Honors & Awards, Parton participates via a video message, and Carlile performs “Coat of Many Colors” during the event.
