Kacey Musgraves Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Dolly Parton With I Will Always Love You Performance at MTV Vi...

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Published: 2026-09-28T00:40:32.904Z • Permanent link

Kacey Musgraves paid a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton with a soulful performance of I Will Always Love You at the MTV Video Music Awards. The country music star's rendition of the iconic hit, made famous by Whitney Houston in the 1985 film The Bodyguard, was a poignant nod to Parton's enduring legacy. Musgraves' setlist also featured a medley of her own hits, including Butterflies and High Horse. The performance was widely praised by critics and fans alike, with many noting the emotional resonance of Musgraves' delivery. The event itself took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on August 28, 2022.

Musgraves' decision to perform at the VMAs was seen as a deliberate choice to honor Parton's impact on her own career. Parton, a country music icon and philanthropist, has been a significant influence on Musgraves' music and style. The two artists have collaborated on several projects, including the 2020 single Rainbow, which was inspired by Parton's own songwriting and activism. Musgraves has also frequently cited Parton as a role model and inspiration, praising her commitment to social justice and her dedication to using her platform to support marginalized communities.

The performance was also notable for its production values, with a live band and elaborate lighting and special effects. The event was broadcast live on MTV and streamed online, reaching a global audience of millions. The VMAs are one of the most prestigious awards shows in the music industry, with a long history of honoring outstanding achievements in music, film, and television.

Musgraves' performance at the VMAs had significant implications for the music industry and beyond. For country music fans, the tribute was a welcome reminder of Parton's enduring influence and legacy. For researchers and scholars, the performance offered a unique opportunity to analyze the ways in which Parton's music and persona continue to inspire new generations of artists. In terms of policy implications, the event highlighted the ongoing importance of supporting women in music and promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

The VMAs also have broader cultural significance, serving as a platform for artists to engage with social justice issues and promote positive change. Musgraves' performance was notable for its message of love and acceptance, which resonated with audiences around the world. As a cultural icon, Parton has long been a symbol of female empowerment and resistance, and Musgraves' tribute was a testament to her enduring impact.

Musgraves' performance at the VMAs was part of a larger trend of artists paying tribute to their musical heroes and influences. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of artists celebrating the legacies of iconic musicians like Parton and Dolly Parton's contemporary, Garth Brooks. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift, in which artists are increasingly recognizing the importance of honoring their musical roots and paying tribute to the artists who have inspired them.