Billy Kennedy: We’ll all miss Dolly Parton - her music and her bubbly personality
Like millions of music lovers around the world, I am deeply and emotionally saddened by what has clearly been the sudden death of our dear friend Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter majestic and one whose music has brought so much joy and enjoyment to us all.
Dolly may have appeared distant across the Atlantic in Nashville, Tennessee, but her musical output, charity and philanthropy and entertainment work was totally inspirational to so many of us.
From the earliest years in her music career as a child singer, Dolly Rebecca Parton always been a winner and the tragedy is that on August 6, the Americana Music Association proudly announced that global music icon Dolly Parton was to be lined up to receive their highly prestigious' Lifetime Achievement' award at the 2026 Americana honours and awards' evening in Nashville, recognising a singular career that has "profoundly shaped American music through extraordinary songwriting, artistry and an unwavering commitment to creative excellence".
Significantly, it was confirmed Dolly was being invited to accept the honour via video.
For more than six decades, Dolly Parton, 80 when she died, has stood among the most influential voices in American music. While celebrated worldwide as an entertainer, actress, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist, the Americana Music Association says it is is appropriately honouring her for the foundation upon which her remarkable legacy was built: her enduring contributions as one of history’s greatest songwriters and recording artistes.
Few artistes have left a deeper imprint on the American musical and cultural landscape than Dolly Parton. Her songs have transcended genre, generation and geography, becoming an essential part of the country’s unique cultural fabric. With a body of work rooted in Southern Appalachian traditions and enriched by country, folk, bluegrass, gospel and popular music, Parton’s songwriting embodies the very spirit of Americana, honest storytelling, emotional authenticity and timeless craftsmanship.
“We at the Americana Music Association have long admired Ms Parton’s work as a singer, songwriter, entertainer and one of the greatest ambassador’s music has ever known,” said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association.
“With all of her extraordinary accomplishments, from philanthropy to television, film and business, our desire is to honour Dolly for what has always been at the heart of her legacy: a definitive songwriter and artiste whose songs have shaped generations.”
From classics such as 'Coat of Many Colors', 'Jolene', 'I Will Always Love You', 'My Tennessee Mountain Home', 'Old Flames', and countless others, Dolly Parton’s catalogue continues to inspire artistes.
Her influence can be heard in the work of generations of songwriters and performers who have found inspiration in her honesty, wit, compassion and unmatched ability to tell deeply human stories through song.
The Americana Music Association’s 'Lifetime Achievement' award recognises individuals whose careers have made an enduring impact on American roots music.
The 2026 Americana 'Honors & Awards' evening will be held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium along Broadway in 'Music City' during 'AMERICANAFEST' this September, celebrating the artistes, musicians and visionaries who continue to shape the evolving landscape of American roots music.
Dolly Parton has received hundreds of prestigious accolades, most recently accepting the Academy of Country Music's ACM Poet's Award in August 2026. Her latest would have been the Americana Music Association's lifetime achievement award in September. How poignant!